sweet william
Dianthus barbatus
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall6 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Red, pink, white, and bicolors
- Foliage color
- Blue, gray/silver, green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is a perennial for borders, cut flowers, and cottage gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist, sandy or loamy soil. The fragrant flowers come in red, pink, white, and bicolors, and bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit them. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. Cut stems bring their scent indoors.
Pairs well with Purple cranesbill, Lamb’s ear, and Alina rose.
Native range
Europe, Asia, Manchuria, NW. Balkan Pen., and 1 more places. See all 5
Europe, Asia, Manchuria, NW. Balkan Pen., and Primorye.