Sweet-William
Dianthus barbatus
Also listed as Caryophyllus barbatus, Cylichnanthus barbatus
Also known as Sweet William [dianthus], Bearded Pink
Climate Match for your location
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Sweet-William produces dense clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and bicolor combinations. This classic cottage garden flower attracts pollinators and makes an excellent cut flower.
Why grow it
Sweet-William offers reliable, prolific flowering in mid-summer when many spring bulbs have faded, extending the season of color in mixed borders. Compared to other Dianthus species, it produces denser flower clusters and blooms more prolifically, making it useful for both garden display and cutting. The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators while requiring minimal inputs once established in well-drained soil.
Watch out for
Plant in full sun to part shade; flowering diminishes significantly in heavy shade. Deadheading extends bloom duration, though plants often self-seed readily if flowers are left to mature. Ensure good air circulation around plants to reduce susceptibility to fungal diseases in humid conditions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native Range
Southern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Sweet-William produces dense clusters of fragrant, colorful flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and bicolor combinations. This classic cottage garden flower attracts pollinators and makes an excellent cut flower.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Sweet-William grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Sweet-William offers reliable, prolific flowering in mid-summer when many spring bulbs have faded, extending the season of color in mixed borders. Compared to other Dianthus species, it produces denser flower clusters and blooms more prolifically, making it useful for both garden display and cutting. The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators while requiring minimal inputs once established in well-drained soil.
Watch out for
Plant in full sun to part shade; flowering diminishes significantly in heavy shade. Deadheading extends bloom duration, though plants often self-seed readily if flowers are left to mature. Ensure good air circulation around plants to reduce susceptibility to fungal diseases in humid conditions.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native Range
Southern Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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