Caryophyllaceae
Dianthus barbatus
Create instant seasonal impact with Sweet William—dense clusters of delicate, fringed blooms that elevate patios, entrances, and garden borders. With simple care and a long-lasting display in mild weather, it’s an ideal choice for events, gifting, and fresh cut-flower arrangements. Plant it once, enjoy a showy flush of flowers, and keep it looking tidy with quick deadheading.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Sweet William
Botanical Name: Dianthus barbatus
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Standard
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0262
Alternative Names:
Natural
—
دراسينا
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Dianthus
3. Origin & Distribution
Dianthus barbatus is native to southern and central Europe and parts of western Asia. It has naturalized in North America, New Zealand, and elsewhere, often growing wild along roadsides, grasslands, and rocky slopes. Cultivated widely in temperate regions for its ornamental value.
4. Visual Characteristics
Sweet William produces upright, branching stems bearing dense, round clusters (corymbs) of 20–50 small, fragrant flowers. Individual flowers are 2–3 cm across, with five fringed petals that come in shades of red, pink, white, and bi-colours often with contrasting eyes. Leaves are narrow, lanceolate, glaucous green, arranged oppositely along the stems.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
Spread: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
Flower cluster diameter: 5–7 cm (2–3 in)
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in full sun (6+ hours daily); tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Insufficient light may reduce flowering.
7. Watering Needs
Maintain evenly moist soil during active growth and flowering; allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining, loamy or sandy soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.0–7.5). In containers, use a quality potting mix amended with perlite or coarse sand for drainage.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Ideal daytime temperatures: 15–25 °C (59–77 °F); tolerates light frost. Cooler night temperatures (5–10 °C) enhance bud set. Performs best in moderate humidity; high humidity may promote fungal issues.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10 NPK) at planting and again mid-season. Alternatively, side-dress with compost or apply liquid feed every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low to moderate. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering and prevent self-seeding. Remove faded foliage and thin overcrowded clumps to maintain air circulation.
12. Growth & Propagation
Primarily grown from seed sown in early spring or autumn. Seeds germinate in 2–3 weeks at 15–20 °C. Plants flower in the first year if sown early and overwintered; commonly grown as biennials. Can be propagated by division or softwood cuttings, though seeds are easiest.
13. Common Problems
Fungal diseases: fusarium wilt, rust, botrytis in humid or poorly drained conditions. Pests: aphids, slugs, snails, cutworms. Provide good air flow, avoid overhead watering, and monitor for pests to prevent outbreaks.
14. Benefits & Uses
Popular in cottage and traditional gardens, borders, rockeries, and containers. Excellent as a cut flower and in fresh arrangements. Attracts butterflies and bees. Edible petals add color to salads and desserts.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Generally non-toxic to humans and pets. Edible petals are used in culinary applications. Rarely may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.
Dianthus barbatus
Create instant seasonal impact with Sweet William—dense clusters of delicate, fringed blooms that elevate patios, entrances, and garden borders. With simple care and a long-lasting display in mild weather, it’s an ideal choice for events, gifting, and fresh cut-flower arrangements. Plant it once, enjoy a showy flush of flowers, and keep it looking tidy with quick deadheading.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Sweet William
Botanical Name: Dianthus barbatus
Former Name: Not available
Plant Type: Standard
Plant Code / SKU: PLT-0262
Alternative Names:
Natural
—
دراسينا
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Dianthus
3. Origin & Distribution
Dianthus barbatus is native to southern and central Europe and parts of western Asia. It has naturalized in North America, New Zealand, and elsewhere, often growing wild along roadsides, grasslands, and rocky slopes. Cultivated widely in temperate regions for its ornamental value.
4. Visual Characteristics
Sweet William produces upright, branching stems bearing dense, round clusters (corymbs) of 20–50 small, fragrant flowers. Individual flowers are 2–3 cm across, with five fringed petals that come in shades of red, pink, white, and bi-colours often with contrasting eyes. Leaves are narrow, lanceolate, glaucous green, arranged oppositely along the stems.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: 30–45 cm (12–18 in)
Spread: 15–20 cm (6–8 in)
Flower cluster diameter: 5–7 cm (2–3 in)
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in full sun (6+ hours daily); tolerates partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Insufficient light may reduce flowering.
7. Watering Needs
Maintain evenly moist soil during active growth and flowering; allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Prefers well-draining, loamy or sandy soils with neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.0–7.5). In containers, use a quality potting mix amended with perlite or coarse sand for drainage.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Hardy in USDA zones 3–9. Ideal daytime temperatures: 15–25 °C (59–77 °F); tolerates light frost. Cooler night temperatures (5–10 °C) enhance bud set. Performs best in moderate humidity; high humidity may promote fungal issues.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10 NPK) at planting and again mid-season. Alternatively, side-dress with compost or apply liquid feed every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Low to moderate. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage continuous flowering and prevent self-seeding. Remove faded foliage and thin overcrowded clumps to maintain air circulation.
12. Growth & Propagation
Primarily grown from seed sown in early spring or autumn. Seeds germinate in 2–3 weeks at 15–20 °C. Plants flower in the first year if sown early and overwintered; commonly grown as biennials. Can be propagated by division or softwood cuttings, though seeds are easiest.
13. Common Problems
Fungal diseases: fusarium wilt, rust, botrytis in humid or poorly drained conditions. Pests: aphids, slugs, snails, cutworms. Provide good air flow, avoid overhead watering, and monitor for pests to prevent outbreaks.
14. Benefits & Uses
Popular in cottage and traditional gardens, borders, rockeries, and containers. Excellent as a cut flower and in fresh arrangements. Attracts butterflies and bees. Edible petals add color to salads and desserts.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Generally non-toxic to humans and pets. Edible petals are used in culinary applications. Rarely may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities.