Dianthus barbatus
sweet william
Flower Colors
Description
A biennial or short-lived perennial with prostrate rosettes of wide, lanceolate green leaves and stiff, erect stems, thickened at the nodes, to 40-60cm tall, bearing many-flowered, terminal, flattened heads. Flowers come in many colours from white to darkest red, often in bicolour combinations, with the darker eyes and toothed petals characteristic of pinks and carnations. Many named selections exist
Mature Height
0.5m
Mature Spread
0.5m
Plant Characteristics
Foliage
Evergreen
Growth Habit
Bushy
Growth Speed
Moderate · 0.3 m/yr
Soil Texture
LoamSand
Soil pH
AlkalineNeutral
Soil Moisture
Well-drained
Hardiness (RHS)
H9
Hardiness (USDA)
Zones 4-8
Fragrance
Flower
Flowering Season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Key Features
FragrantCity and courtyard gardensCottage and informal gardenPatio and container plantsWildlife gardensBeddingCut flowersFlower borders and bedsUnderplanting of roses and shrubs