Dianthus 'Barbarini Mix' – Fragrant Cottage Charm with Colourful, Compact Blooms
Dianthus 'Barbarini Mix' is a compact, free-flowering perennial (often grown as a biennial) celebrated for its vibrant mix of pink, red, purple, and white blooms, sweet fragrance, and neat mound-forming habit. Perfect for beds, borders, containers, and cottage gardens, this cheerful variety combines traditional charm with modern garden performance, flowering prolifically from late spring through summer.
Seasonal Beauty & Growth
Spring:
Foliage forms a low, tidy mound of narrow, blue-green leaves, followed by the first flush of buds.
Summer:
From late spring into summer, clusters of richly coloured flowers emerge in an array of deep pinks, reds, purples, and whites. The blooms are lightly fringed, delightfully scented, and highly attractive to bees and butterflies.
Autumn:
In cooler climates, the plant may continue to produce a few blooms into early autumn. Foliage remains attractive and compact.
Winter:
Typically semi-evergreen in milder areas. In colder regions, the foliage may die back but regrows vigorously the following season.
Structure & Form
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Height: 25–30 cm
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Spread: 20–25 cm
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Habit: Compact, mound-forming
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Foliage: Narrow, grey-green to blue-green leaves
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Flowers: Small, fragrant, and frilly blooms in a mixed colour palette
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Growth Rate: Fast
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Lifespan: Short-lived perennial or biennial; often grown as seasonal bedding
Perfect for Various Landscapes
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Borders & Edging: Ideal for front-of-border planting where its compact form and vibrant flowers can shine.
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Containers & Window Boxes: Excellent in pots and planters, providing long-lasting summer colour and fragrance.
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Cottage Gardens: Brings classic charm and nostalgic appeal.
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Rock Gardens: Compact size and drought tolerance make it perfect for rockeries and gravel gardens.
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Pollinator Gardens: A favourite of bees and butterflies, adding biodiversity to small spaces.
Growing Conditions & Care
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Position: Full sun for best flowering; tolerates light shade.
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Soil: Well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Avoid heavy or waterlogged areas.
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Watering: Moderate. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings—avoid overwatering.
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Hardiness: Hardy in most parts of the UK (H4); may behave as a biennial in cooler climates.
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Maintenance: Deadhead regularly to extend flowering. Can be trimmed lightly after blooming to maintain a tidy form. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during the growing season.
Why Choose Dianthus 'Barbarini Mix'?
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Vibrant Colour Mix: A stunning blend of rich hues perfect for adding interest to beds and containers.
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Fragrant Blooms: Classic clove-like scent brings sensory appeal to any space.
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Compact & Tidy Growth: Ideal for small gardens, patios, or balcony planters.
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Long Flowering Season: Blooms over many weeks with regular deadheading.
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Pollinator Friendly: Great for encouraging bees and butterflies into the garden.
Perfect Plant Combinations
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With Lavender & Salvia: Pair with Lavandula angustifolia or Salvia nemorosa for a sun-loving, scented border.
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With Nepeta & Achillea: Combine with Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ or Achillea ‘Terracotta’ for soft, romantic colour blends.
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With Other Dianthus: Mix with other Dianthus cultivars for varied heights and hues in a cottage-style bed.
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With Grasses & Sedum: Try alongside Festuca glauca or Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ for a modern contrast of form and texture.
Dianthus 'Barbarini Mix' is the perfect choice for adding cottage charm, colour, and fragrance to compact spaces. Whether planted en masse in the border or dotted through containers, its long-lasting blooms and neat habit make it a reliable, easy-care favourite for cheerful summer displays.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
