Velvet N' Lace Dianthus

(D. chinensis x barbatus) Zones 4-9. Combining the long-flowering time and fragrance of annual pinks with the cold weather tolerance of Sweet Williams, these hybrid pinks vie with pansies for early spring color. The carnation-like flowers appear repeatedly right up until frost and make wonderful fragrant bouquets, too. Often classed as half-hardy annuals, we've had success overwintering them with a mulch. They will also self-seed. Richly scented 2 inch blooms are velvety purple-black edged with lacy white ruffles. Bushy, compact, 12 inch plants. Full sun.