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Dianthus barbatus 'Black Adder'

Also Known As

  • Black Adder Sweet William

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 6"-12"
  • W: 6"-12"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

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Dianthus barbatus 'Black Adder' plant details

Dianthus barbatus 'Black Adder' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with burgundy and purple foliage. In summer black and burgundy flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dianthus barbatus 'Black Adder'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: caryophyllaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen burgundy and purple
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: black and burgundy blooms in summer
Uses: cottage garden, cutting garden, fragrant, self-sowing

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dianthus barbatus 'Black Adder'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Deep burgundy, almost black flowers against purple leaves are dramatic in any garden setting! Low maintenance, cottage garden perennial with lax stems to about 12” tall and mounding out to 12” wide…attracts pollinators with blooms spring to summer, lightly fragrant. Sun to part shade, average garden soil, water when dry. Tends be short lived but reseeds itself and seedlings are true to its parent. Deer resistant. Nice in arrangements.

Gardening facts about Dianthus barbatus 'Black Adder' plant

How to Grow Dianthus barbatus 'Black Adder'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • burgundy
    • purple
  • Flower Color

    • burgundy
    • black
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen

See other plant types of Dianthus for your garden

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 12"

  • sun - bright shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Dianthus superbus close-up, flower by Stan Shebs
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aka London Delight Pink

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-8b

Size

Height: 12"

Width: 12"

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Dianthus 'London Delight' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Spotty Pink

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 4"-6"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Dianthus 'Spotty' flower by Dancing Oaks Nursery
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aka Dianthus 'Clusterhead Pink', Dianthus carthusianorum 'Clusterhead Pink', Carnation, Clusterhead Pink, Pinks

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 12"-18"

Width: 6"-9"

  • sun - bright shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Dianthus carthusianorum flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Cottage Pinks

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover

Zones

3a-10b

Size

Height: 18"

Width: 12"

  • sun - bright shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Dianthus plumarius flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

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+191 more Dianthus
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