Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William)
Sweet William, Bearded Pink, Bloomy Down, London Pride, London Tufts, Oeillet des Poètes, Tolmeiner
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.
- Thrives in full sun in organically rich, well-drained soils. Appreciates some afternoon shade in hot summer climates.
- Excellent choice for beds and borders, cottage gardens or containers.
- Deadhead as required. Propagate by seed sown in late spring and plant out into flowering positions in the fall
- Susceptible to crown rot and rust in poorly-drained soils. Watch for snails and slugs.
- Native to southern Europe
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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 | Dianthus |
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) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
ottochka / 123RF Stock Photo
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.
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 | Dianthus |
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) |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Average |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen |
Tolerance | Deer |
Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |