Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Dianthus barbatus ‘Sooty’
Sweet William ‘Sooty’
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Height
- 12-18 inches
- Width
- 6-12 inches
- Flower color
- Deep red to maroon
- Foliage color
- Dark purple to almost black
- Bloom time
- Late spring to early summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate, prefers well-drained soil
- Maintenance
- Low
- Wildlife
- Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
About this plant
Dianthus barbatus 'Sooty', commonly known as Sweet William 'Sooty', is a striking biennial or short-lived perennial prized for its unique dark foliage and rich, velvety flowers. This cultivar features almost black leaves and stems that create a dramatic contrast with its deep red to maroon flowers, which are about 1 inch in diameter and slightly fragrant, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Blooming from late spring to early summer, 'Sooty' offers a vibrant display for several weeks. Its lanceolate, dark purple to nearly black foliage provides a stunning backdrop for the bright flowers. This versatile plant is ideal for borders, rock gardens, and containers, making it a great addition to cottage gardens and mixed perennial beds, while also being an excellent choice for cut flower arrangements due to its long-lasting blooms.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Ferns · Astilbes · Foxgloves · Bergenias · Sedums · Columbines
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. Because it is easy about light, use it to carry a planting from a sunny end of the bed into the shadier side.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
