Sweet William
Dianthus barbatus
Also known as
Bearded Pink, Bloomy Down, London Pride, London Tufts, Oeillet Des Poètes, Tolmeiner
Photo by danorak1891 (All rights reserved)
Full Sun
Moderate care
Light watering
Frost Hardy
H7-H4
RHS hardiness
-20°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
1 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has a strong fragrance
More images of Sweet William
Sweet William Overview
Dianthus barbatus is a popular garden species that is commonly known by the names Sweet William and Bearded Pink. It is either a biennial or short-lived perennial with lance-shaped, evergreen leaves on stiff stems which are held upright and have thickened nodes. Foliage is arranged in a rosette and this plant typically reaches a height of around 40-60cm tall. This plant is mainly grown for its attractive, colourful flowers, which are produced densely in clusters at the ends of stems in a flattened arrangement. These may be some shade of red, purple, pink or white and many possess bicoloured blooms. Petals are toothed along their edges, creating a frilly effect and these flowers often have attractive patterning across their surface. Flowers often have a spicy, clove-like scent to them. This species is part of the Royal Horticultural Society “Plants for Pollinators” initiative to showcase plants which support pollinator populations by providing ample amounts of nectar and/ or pollen.
Common problems with Sweet William
How to propagate Sweet William
Seed
Sow seed in late spring, plant out in autumn.
Cuttings
Propagate perennials by layering or from cuttings in summer; annuals and biennials from seed in autumn or early spring.
Layering
Special features of Sweet William
Attracts butterflies
Attracts bees
Attractive flowers
Attracts useful insects
Other uses of Sweet William
Border, fragrance, cutting bed, container, window-box
Ornamentals to Plant Outside in April
Provided the ground isn't frozen or water-logged, plant these varieties.
Explore allFlowers - Sow Under Cover in August
Thinking ahead to next year - sow these seeds for early spring and summer colour.