Dianthus barbatus
Among the most popular ofallDianthusspecies , sweet william ( D. barbatus ) is a favored ornamental with numerous cultivars and loanblend in a broad range of flower colors and plant sizes .
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The small , laciniate flower are mass in densely packed , flatten clusters atop tall stems and have a fragrance evocative of sweet Eugenia caryophyllatum – although in the case of many loan-blend , the scent has been spawn out of them .
Flower colors are white and luscious tint of Marxist , including burgundy , maroon , mauve , pink , and purple , and often handsomely patterned with contrasting edging and eyes .
If your garden need coloured , fragrant flowers with a long bloom season , link us now to translate up on how to implant and grow odorous williams .
Here ’s what we ’ll cover :
What You’ll Learn
Quick Look
How to uprise
cultivar to Select
upkeep
Propagation
Pests and Disease
Best use
Sweet williams are dusty - hardy , biennial or abruptly - lived perennials with single or three-fold flowers , in the clove pink family , Caryophyllaceae .
There are two varieties ofD. barbatus , the European variety ( D. barbatusvar.barbatus),native to craggy regions of southern Europe , and the Asiatic type ( D. barbatusvar.asiaticus),that originates in percentage of China , Korea , and Russia .
Common name(s):Sweet williams , bearded pink , bunch pinks
Plant type : shortly - lived flowering perennial
Hardiness ( USDA Zone):3 - 11 , depending on cultivar
Native to : Europe and Asia
Bloom time : Late bound and other summertime
photograph : Full to part sun
Soil type : Organically fertile , well drain
Soil pH:6.0 - 7.5 , more or less acidic to slenderly alkaline
Spacing : 6 - 12 inches
Planting depth:1/8 inch ( seed ) , crown at land level ( transplant )
Mature size:6 - 12 inch wide x 8 - 36 inch high
Water need : restrained
Taxonomy
guild : Caryophyllales
Family : Caryophyllaceae
Genus : Dianthus
Species : Barbatus
Varieties : barbatus , asiaticus
Cultivars : Various
Also experience as whiskery or bunch pinks , the peak are fringe and whiskery and the name “ barbatus ” refer to the nipping or beard - similar growth at the petal substructure .
These democratic ornamental form thick , erect efflorescence bunch recognise as umbels , of up to 30 blush that spring up atop tall stems , flower in late spring and early summer .
Repeat blossom on a lighter scale is also plebeian through the summertime months , so long as spend flowers have beendeadheaded .
The small , five - petaled flowers have dainty , serrate edges and come out in shade of pinkish , red , majestic , and white with some variegated patterns . The thick leaf is a cryptic low - green with narrow , grass - like leaves .
Individual flowers measure one - half to one column inch in diam and umbel grow three to five inches across . plant life attain a matured height of 24 to 36 inches with a spread of 12 inch , and dwarf form turn up to eight inches tall .
Carnations,‘Firewitch ’ pinks , andgarden pinksare among the most fragrant of dianthus , and inheritance nervous strain of sweet william have the conversant zesty redolence of cloves , but with less intensity .
However , many hybrid ofD. barbatushave little or no scent , while others have been spawn for a strong scent . If fragrance is important to you – or if you prefer non - perfumed flowers – check cultivar point carefully before purchasing .
Traditional sweet williams that are grown biennially or perennially need vernalization ( winter cold ) for flowering , but many hybrids do not and will flower readily in their first year .
Plants are mostly audacious in USDA geographical zone 3 to 9 , though some cultivated hybrids can resist the strong temperature of Zones 10 and 11 as well .
The vividly colored , perfumedpetals are edible , with a mild flavor , and make a pretty garnish for beverages , cakes , desserts , and salads .
Sweet williams attract bees , birds , and butterfly stroke and is one of the fewDianthusspecies to be frequented by hummingbirds .
The tall - halt flowers are a knock - out in floral arrangement – particularly the long - hold up and perfumed heritage cultivars !
Sweet williams offer their most impressive flowered show when give the right growing atmospheric condition .
Whether you ’re plant them as annuals or suddenly - exist perennials , providing optimum care ensures prolific bloom and vigorous plants . Here ’s how to give your flowers the imperial treatment .
Light
These efflorescence do best in full sun , where they get at least six hours of lineal sunlight each solar day .
While they can put up partial shade — especially in region with intense good afternoon hotness — too much tad can lead to leggy stem and fewer peak . calculate for a gay , well - ventilate spot to encourage strong , thick ontogenesis and bright flower colors .
Soil
Sweet williams thrive in loose , well - draining soil with moderate natality . A loamy or sandy soil enriched with well - molder compost is ideal . The favored pH kitchen stove is slightly alkalic to neutral , around 6.0 to 7.5 .
debar sloughy , cloggy clay stain that retain too much moisture , which can lead to root rot .
If your soil tends to guard piss , consider planting in raised layer or remediate with coarse sand or perlite for effective drainage .
Temperature and Humidity
These plant are nerveless - conditions lover . While all cherubic william cultivar are fearless in USDA Zones 3 to 9 , they prosper in temperature between 50 and 75 ° farad .
heat energy can shorten their bloom menses , so if you live on in a warm climate , provide good afternoon subtlety or consider growing them as a surrender or early - outflow annual .
Sweet williams tolerate a reach of humidity levels , but good strain circulation helps forestall fungal issues like rust fungus and mildew , peculiarly in humid environments .
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged . During dry spell , water deep once or twice a week , allowing the grime to more or less dry out in between .
D. barbatusis middling drought tolerant once established , but regular entree to moisture increase blooming and plant should be water during extensive juiceless periods .
Overwatering can lead to top and root rot , so it ’s essential to let the top inch of soil wry out before tearing again .
pee at the base of the plant to quash wetting the foliage , which can promote fungal disease .
Feed sweet williams with a balanced fertilizer — like a 10 - 10 - 10 or 5 - 10 - 5 — once every duad of during the growing season .
Over - fertilizing , especially with high - atomic number 7 blend , can have lush foliage growth at the disbursement of bloom .
Espoma Plant - Tone
If your soil is already rich in constitutive issue , you may not take to fertilise at all .
A promiscuous top - dressing of compost or an organic fertilizer such as Espoma Plant - Tone in fountain is often enough to sustain these plant through their bloom wheel .
I buy it in thebig 36 pound bags , but18 lbs , and4 lbs bagsare also available . I separate mine up into a couple 5 congius buckets with lids ( to keep the critter out ) and use it for pretty much everything .
Container Growing
Sweet williams make excellent container plants , ideal for terrace , balconies , and anywhere else you want a pop of colour near at bridge player .
Choose a container with drainage hole that ’s at least 8 to 10 inches inscrutable to accommodate their root system .
A 12 - inch - wide plenty can well support three to five industrial plant , founder them enough elbow room to prosper without crowding .
Fill the container with a lightweight potting mix enriched with compost or slow - release plant food . nullify heavy garden soil , which can squeeze and smother the ascendent .
Since containers dry out out quicker than in - ground bed , you ’ll call for to check moisture level frequently , particularly during hot or blowy weather . Water when the top in of soil feels dry .
Place your pots in a location that receives full Dominicus for the skillful flowering outcome . In hot zones , morning sun and good afternoon ghost can assist prevent wilting or scorching .
There are many popular cultivar and hybrid serial publication ofD. barbatusto prefer from .
Here are a few of my deary :
Albus
For a reposeful line in the coloured other summertime garden , ‘ Albus ’ provides a beautiful display of densely packed , sodding white blossom in large , rounded umbels .
rise on extra - sturdy stanch that refuse to break , even after rainfall , the fragrant flower clusters make an attractive add-on to raised beds , mete , or terrace pots and throughout butterfly stroke , bungalow , andcutting garden .
Gorgeous as a long - hold up cut flower , the comestible peak also make a lovely plate garnish or a pretty addition to mixed salad .
‘ Albus ’
Plants reach mature acme of 20 inch and expect no frigid conditions vernalization . Hardy in Zones 3 to 9 .
Seeds by the packet or in majority areavailable at Eden Brothers .
Jolt Pink Magic
With large and lovely white flower headland that as if by magic morph into nicety of garden pink , compound as they mature , Jolt ‘ Pink Magic ’ is a strong summer performing artist and fragrant as well .
Jolt is one of the most heat - patient of series , and plant feature strong staunch that grow up to 16 inches tall .
Jolt ‘ Pink deception ’
Hardy in Zones 7 to 11 , cultivar from the Jolt series are most often grown as annual .
Packets of 20 seeds areavailable at Burpee .
Sweet Black Cherry
The Sweet series of crossbreed are extremely fragrant and make fantastic slice flush .
‘ Black Cherry ’ sport strike , large flower heads in dark cherry tree with sparkle snowy and pink stamen on long , substantial stems that last for weeks in the garden or in a vase .
Sweet ‘ Black Cherry ’
maturate 18 to 36 inch tall , plant require no vernalization and put on a unfluctuating show in their first year .
They have respectable insensate and heat tolerance and make a vibrant shock in the garden . Hardy in Zones 6 to 9 .
Packets of 25 semen areavailable at Burpee .
Telstar Mix
The Telstar serial is noted for their well - branched plant life with multitudes of colourful and lightly fragrant single , semi - double , and fully double laciniate flowers .
multiply for gamy resistance to the pathogens that have dull off , the compendious plant grow eight to 10 inches tall in cascade mounds .
Telstar Mix offer a compounding of lustrous , bluff colour in shades of carmine rose , pinkish , empurpled , and purple picotee .
Their consistent increase is beautiful for volume planting in mete or edges and the cascade down riding habit is perfect forhanging baskets , patio planters , or windowpane boxes . Hardy in Zones 5 to 9 .
germ in packets and majority areavailable at True Leaf Market .
Wee Willie Mix
Wee Willie is a fast - growing dwarf series that delivers a big impingement with lustrous , bold colouration of burgundy , Battle of Magenta , mauve , pink , and fantastic bicolor variations .
With a spicy , sweet-scented bouquet , the adorable thick plants grow up to eight inches and bestow vibrant colour to margin , raised beds , containers , boundary , rock ‘n’ roll garden , and windowpane box .
No vernalization is need for first year flower and plants are hardy in Zones 4 to 10 .
Packets and bulk seeds areavailable at Eden Brothers .
During the growing time of year , give plants a dose of all - intent , balanced fertilizer every six to eight weeks .
After flowering , deadhead spent bloomsto tidy plants and further a 2nd , easy rebloom in summertime .
If you wish to collect the semen , allow a few flower heads to remain and mature , then harvest seeds in former summer just as the dry fuel pod start to open for seminal fluid dispersion – if you try them rattle when softly shaken , they ’re quick .
If you want plants to reseed themselves , impart a few flower heads in place . In tardy summer just as the pod are open , clean the territory around the works then bow the stems over and shake to dust seeds .
mildly scrape up semen into the soil to barely comprehend , then firm thinly in place .
It should be noted that self - sow plants from double - flower or intercrossed diverseness will not grow on-key to the parent flora and typically revert back to the red and white coloring of the species plant .
In late dusk after the foliage withers and dies , remove plant debris and light beds . In areas with mild wintertime where leaf shedding is minimum , sheer plants back to a tallness of four to six column inch .
For areas that ask stale winter weather , apply a four - inch layer of loose mulch over the crown , such as shredded leaves or drinking straw . absent the mulch in springiness after the danger of Robert Frost has passed .
After new growth emerge , you’re able to selectively cull any unwanted seedling . This is also a good metre to part older plants , and seedling can be gently lifted and graft to new location .
Sweet williams are easy propagated from seed , by division , and via tip cuttings . plant purchase from a nursery are typically one yr previous and will blossom the same yr they ’re planted .
Indoor Seed Sowing
To pop plants indoors , inseminate seed six to eight weeks before your last expected frost date .
Here ’s how :
After seedling have develop three or four true sets of leaves , they can be planted out into container or the garden .
If cum are inseminate early enough – several week before the last Robert Lee Frost particular date – flora may flower in their first year .
Outdoor Seed Planting
To plant alfresco :
seeded player constitute after the last frost appointment will typically flower in their second year . Alternatively , you’re able to inseminate seeds in former dip , for flowers the next springiness .
By Division
Grown as a short - lived perennial , D. barbatuscan be divided every two to four years . Plants are best divided in spring just as young ontogenesis embark on to appear after winter dormancy .
If call for , piss plant thoroughly a mean solar day or two before dividing to dampen the soil and make lifting easygoing .
Insert a spade six to eight inches outside the root ball and compass all around the plant , then intrude it up and move up it gently from the ground .
Use a clean , sharp knife to separate the solution into halves or quarters , then softly shake excess ground from each section .
Replant promptly in prepared soil to the same depth as the parent works and water mildly .
From Tip Cuttings
Tip carving take root quickly in summertime and are comfortably taken between June and September .
Take two- to three - inch cuttings from fore tips , remove the lower leaves and place stems upright in warm water to rob overnight .
The undermentioned day , douse the cut end into powdered rooting hormone , if desired , and insert them into four- to six - inch mess filled with a moist , porous potting mixture . Use three to four cuttings per commode spaced equally .
Place the cuttingsin a cold frameor find a spot in the garden with dappled sunshine or light shade .
Keep the soil moist and roots should take form in three to four weeks . After roots are established , transfer to larger good deal or into the garden .
cutting taken in summertime will flower the undermentioned year .
ManyD. barbatuscultivars have been bred for improved disease resistance , but a few common issues can still hap .
pest likeaphidsorspider mitesmay make an appearing , and these can be despatched with a spray of waterfrom the hosepipe – or in the case of more severe infestations , neem oil or insecticidal grievous bodily harm can be applied .
slug and escargot can chew stems and foliage , particularly in shady area . To deal with gastropods , handpick and dispose – or read up on the best natural methods toprotect your garden from slug and snails .
Like all genus Dianthus , plant are susceptible to fungal disease like cap decompose and rusting , which are most prevalent in poorly draining soil .
Sweet williams are suitable for a variety of garden locating .
Low - produce miscellanea are an idealistic choice for little areas and highly good in border , border , and rockeries , or patio pots and windowpane boxes .
Taller kind can be used to meet gap in perennial beds and are striking when massed in drifts or words in butterfly , cottage , and court gardens .
The tall stems and farsighted bloom time add mantrap to bloom arrangements , so plant plenty for the press clipping garden !
And be sure to mass works coinage types where the spicy perfume can be enjoyed , such as bordering deck of cards and patio , flanking entryways , and along garden path .
A Cottage Classic and More
Sweet williams are well - loved as cottage garden classic , but they also sum charm and beauty to many more configurations from edge and butterfly stroke gardens to patio hatful and window box .
Brightly colored with mass of flower in tardy spring , think back to deadhead spent blooms for a brightness level reflowering throughout the summer calendar month .
And for more information aboutdelightful dianthus , be sure to read these articles next :
© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more item . Originally publish April 8th , 2022 . Last update April 21st , 2025 . Product photos via Espoma , Burpee , Eden Brothers , and True Leaf Market . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .
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Lorna Kring
