Dianthus barbatus
Sweet William
- Height × spread
- 0.3m – 0.7m × 0.3m – 0.4m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available in Summer
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Brilliant wildlife supporting flower, a magnet for butterflies and other pollinators. Flat rounded clusters of flowers with toothed petals in red, pink, purple or white appear in spring, lasting well into the summer. Grows to a height/spread of 60cm x 30cm. It's perfect in an informal cottage style border.
- Flower colour
- Black, Pink, Red, White
- Foliage colour
- Blue, Green, Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Column, Cube, Dome
- Height
- 0.3m – 0.7m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 0.4m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Exotic garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal), Poor soil
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bedding plant, Bee attraction, Butterfly attraction
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Summer-Autumn · Planting
Support tall stems
The plant may require support for long stems. Provide an artificial frame which it can grow through, or loosely tie the whole plant. A network of twigs can be woven together to provide a framework through which the plant can grow.
Tall stems can lean or be battered by weather. Support the plant to keep its vertical lines, aiming for a natural appearance which is easy on the eye.
Planting & general
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.
Planting
Support some varieties
Some plants within this species may require support for young plants and/or long stems. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Compost · Planting
Multi-purpose compost
Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.
Found in
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