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Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William)

Sweet William, Bearded Pink, Bloomy Down, London Pride, London Tufts, Oeillet des Poètes, Tolmeiner

Dianthus barbatus', Sweet William, Bearded Pink, Bloomy Down, London Pride, London Tufts, Oeillet des Poètes, Tolmeiner, perennial Sweet William, Perennial Dianthus

Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William) is a biennial or short-lived perennial prized for its densely packed, flattened clusters of small flowers from late spring to the first frosts. Flowers may be single or double and come in a wide array of colors from white to dark red, often in bicolor combinations, sometimes with a contrasting eye and fringed petals. The vivid blossoms rise on stiff, erect stems above prostrate rosettes of wide, lance-shaped, pale to dark green leaves. No cottage garden would be without this old favorite, but it has a place in every garden.

  • Growing up to 12-24 in. tall (30-60 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm), Sweet William will reseed each year in optimum growing conditions and remain in the garden.
  • Performs best in full sun in organically rich, neutral to alkaline, well-drained soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
  • Excellent choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens, edging or containers.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs and caterpillars. Susceptible to crown rot and rust in poorly-drained soils. Deer resistant.
  • Deadhead to extend flowering and to maintain plant vigor.
  • Propagate by division, cuttings or by seed. Propagate by seed sown in late spring and plant out into flowering positions in the autumn. Divide in spring as new growth appears.
  • Dianthus barbatus species is native to Southern Europe.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Caryophyllaceae
Genus Dianthus
Common names Sweet William, London Pride
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
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Dianthus (Carnation)
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Dianthus Early Bird Frosty (Pink)
Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Tiny Rubies’ (Cheddar Pink)
Dianthus carthusianorum (Carthusian Pink)
Dianthus Early Bird Radiance (Pink)
Dianthus ‘First Love’ (Cheddar Pink)
Dianthus chinensis ‘Velvet ‘n Lace’ (Chinese Pink)

Recommended Companion Plants

Rosa Anne Boleyn (English Rose)
Cenolophium denudatum (Baltic Parsley)
Geranium x magnificum (Purple Cranesbill)
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears)

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 3 - 9
Heat Zones 1 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, A2, A3
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Caryophyllaceae
Genus Dianthus
Common names Sweet William, London Pride
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 6" - 1'
(15cm - 30cm)
Spacing 12" (30cm)
Maintenance Average
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Dianthus (Carnation)
Not sure which Dianthus (Carnation) to pick?
Compare Now

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