Dianthus barbatus albus (White Sweet William)

Dianthus barbatus albus (White Sweet William) is an upright, bushy, biennial or short-lived perennial prized for its dense clusters of sweet-scented, fringed, pure white flowers from late spring to late summer. Attractive to bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators, the blossoms are borne on stiff, erect stems above prostrate rosettes of wide, lance-shaped, dark green leaves. No cottage garden would be without this old favorite, but it has a place in every garden. Easy to grow, White Sweet William looks beautiful in the sunny border and makes attractive cut flowers.

• Grows up to 20 in. tall (50 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.