Sweet William Fast Facts
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is a biennial plant native to the mountainous regions of southern Europe. It is most commonly found in landscaping and cut flower gardens.
History
In the 16th century, sweet William was introduced to northern Europe and later to North America.
Types
Sweet William is prized for its variety of color. Its white, pink, red or purple blooms are popular in ornamental gardens, borders, and window boxes from early spring into summer.
Growth
Sweet William can be found in dwarf forms that grow from 6 to 8 inches tall. The full-sized plant grows 12 to 18 inches tall.
- Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is a biennial plant native to the mountainous regions of southern Europe.
Care
Seeds can be sown directly into the garden, spaced 4 to 6 inches apart. Spent blooms should be left to reseed themselves for the following season.
Fun Fact
In the Victorian flower language, sweet William symbolizes gallantry. It is uncertain if the flower was named for Saint William of York, William the Conqueror or Prince William Augustus.
Prune Sweet William
Cut individual stems back, using pruning shears, to the base of the plant if the whole plant is still blooming, but the flowers on one stem are wilting or drying out. In some cases, the plant will come back again with blooms for a third year. Leave at least a few of the dead flower heads at the end of the bloom period in late summer if you want the Sweet William to continue.
- Seeds can be sown directly into the garden, spaced 4 to 6 inches apart.
- Cut individual stems back, using pruning shears, to the base of the plant if the whole plant is still blooming, but the flowers on one stem are wilting or drying out.
References
- Overview
- Growth and Care
- University of Illinois Extension: Annual China Pink/Sweet William
- University of Vermont Extension Department of Plant and Soil Science: Year of the Dianthus
- University of Illinois Extension: To Prune or Not to Prune - Perennials
- Perennials: Dianthus Barbatus Barbarini Picotee Purple
- Perennials: Summer Pinching, Cutting Back and Deadheading
Resources
Writer Bio
Vikki McMahon attended the College of New Jersey before experiencing a variety of career choices, including the pharmaceutical research field, the real estate industry and the Insurance industry. She has been a freelance writer since 2008 and shares her enthusiasm for parenting and home and garden topics, with published articles appearing on stressfreeliving.com and thebabybin.com.