The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Sweet William

Dianthus barbatus

dy-ANN-thus bar-BAT-us Audio

These short-lived perennials or biennials are charming plants and are worth their weight in gold in the cottage border. After flowering, the attractive foliage holds the space well.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsVarious cultivars produce colorful and disc-like blossoms, which are decoratively fringed and intensely fragrant. They are equally stunning as single colors, bicolors, or in a mixed palette.

CareGrow in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun.

PropagationSow seed of biennials in summer; plants will bloom the following year.

ProblemsCrown rot, slugs, sow bugs, grasshoppers, chipmunks, squirrels, deer

  • Genus : Dianthus
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Characteristics : Attracts Hummingbirds, Fragrant Flowers
  • Bloom Time : Early Summer, Late Spring, Spring, Summer
  • Light : Full Sun
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Growth Rate : Moderate
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Flower Color : Pink, White
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide