Botanical Name: Dianthus barbatus
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Common Name: Sweet William  
Plant photo of: Dianthus barbatus
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Annual, Biennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Pink, Purple, Red, White, Multi-Colored

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

 

Water

Medium, Extra in Summer

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam

 

Soil Condition

Average, Rich, Well-drained, Moist

 

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Formal

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Patio

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer: JJ Neilson, Modesto JC

  • Description

  • Notes

Sweet William is a short-lived tender perennial or biennual usually grown as an annual. Its blossoms are clusters of flat, disc-like flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and any combination thereof. Plants are usually dense and mounded, with deep green foliage. Flowering from May to frost, they slow down a bit in the heat of the summer. Their fragrant flowers are enjoyed by butterflies and hummingbirds.
Grow in rich, well amended soil that is well drained. Plant in full sun to light shade. Though they may reseed, hybrids will not seed true to form.