Dianthus x barbatus Rockin'™ Pink Magic' – Rockin'™ Pink Magic' Sweet William

The Rockin'™ Pink Magic' Sweet William is a "magical" variety that offers a spectacle of changing colours. This hybrid Dianthus stands out with its flower clusters that transition from white to pink and then to mauve, creating a multicolour effect on the same plant. It brings a touch of whimsy and a vibrant, evolving colour to borders, all while being very easy to grow.

Characteristics

• Foliage: The plant forms a low, dense clump of foliage, composed of fine, linear, rich green leaves.
• Flowering: Its flowering is truly unique. From late spring to late summer, it produces clusters of fringed flowers that change colour as they mature. They open white, tinge to pale pink, then turn to bright pink and mauve, giving the impression of having several flower colours on the plant at the same time.
• Light: It demands full sun for optimal performance and flowering.
• Habit: It forms a mounded clump of foliage from which straight, sturdy flower stems rise.
• Growth: With a medium growth rate, it reaches a height of 45 to 60 cm (18-24 inches) in bloom, with a spread of 25 to 35 cm (10-14 inches).
• Moisture: It prefers average moisture conditions.
• Soil: It thrives only in very well-drained soil. It prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Hardiness: Its hardiness is rated for Zone 5, but its winter survival depends much more on the quality of drainage than on the cold. In many cold-climate gardens, it behaves as an annual or a very short-lived perennial.
• Resistance: It demonstrates good resistance to deer.

Uses

• Types of Use: It is a plant of choice for the front or middle of beds and borders. It is spectacular in mass plantings and performs very well in containers.
• Ornamental Features: Its multicolour and changing effect creates a dynamic and fascinating visual impact. It is an excellent cut flower that makes for unique summer bouquets.

Care

• Watering: Water when the soil is dry to the touch, avoiding excess water. Good drainage is essential.
• Fertilizing: It is not very demanding. A spring application of compost or a balanced fertilizer is sufficient.
• Pruning: Regularly remove faded flower clusters to encourage the plant to continuously produce new flower stems. It is preferable to cut the foliage back to the ground in the spring rather than the fall.
• Planting: Plant it in the spring in a very sunny location, in soil that does not retain water, especially in winter.
• Winter Protection: The best protection is excellent drainage. Avoid locations where water accumulates in winter and do not apply a heavy organic mulch at its base.