Barbarini® Red Dianthus

Barbarini® Red Dianthus is Syngenta Flowers’ F1 seed selection of Dianthus barbatus, commonly called Sweet William or Sweet John. The named red-flowered selection is upright, compact-branching, and promoted as pollinator-friendly for landscape and container plantings. [Syngenta product page](https://www.syngentaflowers.com/ams/product/flower/70001024) ## Garden profile Syngenta lists this selection at 4–8 inches tall and wide, with an upright habit, part shade to full sun, mid-spring and fall flowering, and USDA zones 4–9. Its Barbarini culture guide says vernalization is not required and describes flowering schedules from April through September. [Syngenta Barbarini culture guide](https://www.syngentaflowers.com/ams/sites/g/files/kgtney2381/files/media/document/2023/02/01/culture_perennials_seed_dianthus_barbarini.pdf) NC State describes Dianthus barbatus as a biennial or short-lived perennial, often grown as an annual, with dense flower clusters. [NC State Extension Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dianthus-barbatus/) ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun or partial shade during hot summers, in well-drained loam or sand. The species is used in borders, containers, patio plantings, cutting gardens, and pollinator gardens. [Royal Horticultural Society plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/105495/dianthus-barbatus/details) [NC State Extension Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dianthus-barbatus/) ## Maintenance Deadhead faded flower clusters as needed to prolong flowering. Keep drainage good and check for aphids and slugs; poorly drained soil can contribute to crown rot and rust. [RHS plant profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/105495/dianthus-barbatus/details) [NC State Extension Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dianthus-barbatus/)