Sweet William

(Dianthus barbatus)

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Dianthus barbatus, commonly known as Sweet William, is a herbaceous perennial native to the grasslands and meadows of Southern Europe. It can be semi-evergreen or deciduous depending on the climate. It typically grows to 13–92 cm tall and features a dense cluster of up to 30 flowers at the top of the stems. Each flower measures 2–3 cm in diameter with five petals that have serrated edges. While wild plants usually produce red flowers with a white base, cultivars offer a wide range of colors including white, pink, red, purple, and variegated patterns. The flowering season extends from late spring to early summer, and the blooms are notably showy, making them a favorite for cut flower arrangements.

Sweet William is valued for its vibrant flowers and ability to attract pollinators such as birds, bees, and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity in the garden. It is commonly used in borders, rock gardens, and informal country cottage gardens. Sweet William prefers loamy, slightly alkaline soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. It requires moderate watering and well-drained soil to thrive. Deadheading can promote further blooming, and while the plant is self-seeding, seeds from cultivars may not breed true. Propagation can be achieved through seed, cuttings, or division. Gardeners should be aware that Dianthus barbatus can become invasive outside its native range, so it is important to check local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-2 feet
  • Width: 0.5-1 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, Red, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to the grasslands and meadows of Southern Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Sweet-William , Bunch Pink , Bearded Pink , Sweet John , Studenter-Nellike , Bart-Nelke , Clavel Imperial , Harjaneilikka , Oeillet Barbu , Oeillet De Poète

Scientific Names: Dianthus barbatus , Dianthus barbatus var. barbatus , Dianthus barbatus var. latifolius , Dianthus barbatus var. paniculatus , Dianthus barbatus var. pedunculosus , Dianthus fimbriatus subsp. barbatus , Dianthus hispanicus , Diosanthos barbatum , Silene barbata

GBIF Accepted Name: Dianthus barbatus L.