Sweet william - Dianthus barbatus (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Sweet william

There are two thoughts on the origin of the sweet william name. The first is that it was named after the Duke of Cumberland, William Augustus. The second is that the name came from the writings of Thomas Tusser, an English poet. In either case, this old-fashioned garden plant (Dianthus barbatus) is a lovely addition to any space.

Scientific classification

Species

Sweet william (Dianthus barbatus)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Toxic to Pets

Toxicity

Perennial, Annual, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall

Harvest Time

13 cm to 92 cm

Plant Height

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2 cm to 3 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Black, Copper

Fruit Color

White, Red, Pink, Purple, Black, Violet

Flower Color

Green, Red, White, Purple, Pink

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Images of Sweet william

Distribution of Sweet william

Distribution Map

Sweet william grows natively in two disparate parts of the world—the mountains of Europe and northern East Asia. It grows in woodlands and meadows. Sweet william has been widely introduced as a garden plant worldwide, and has escaped cultivation to grow wild in much of North America and Central Asia.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Meadows, woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Sweet william is a biennial or perennial flower that has grown in popularity in home gardens. Its clusters of colorful flowers and long stems make it great as a cut flower. Prized for its bright blooms, sweet william is perfectly suited to rock gardens, cottage- and natural-style gardens, and border gardens, and can be paired with a wide range of other sun-loving flowers, such as roses.

Symbolism

Admiration, passion, capriciousness, affection, love, gratitude, gallantry

Name Story

Sweet william: People believe that it is called sweet william for one of two reasons. The first possible reason is to commemorate Prince William, Duke of Cumberland from the 18th century. Others speculate that the flower was named after botanist John Gerard's contemporary, William Shakespeare.

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Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Sweet william, including the following common varieties :

Sweet william 'Green Ball'Green Trick Dianthus

Toxicity

Sweet william is toxic to cats and dogs, primarily through ingestion of its leaves. Symptoms include gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is critical for pet owners to prevent access and seek immediate veterinary care if consumption occurs to ensure proper treatment.

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Quickly Identify Sweet william

Distinct clusters of flowers in varied colors: white, red, purple, bi-colored.

Petals with 'barbed' growth reaching up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall.

Flowers with frilled, dentate margins, clustered terminally with fragrant blooms.

Dry capsule fruit with dehiscent splitting; seeds shield-like, blackish-brown.

Narrow, lance-shaped leaves, grayish-green/blue-green, opposite pairs, smooth texture.

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Care Guide for Sweet william

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Sweet william originates from Europe's woodlands, preferring moderate moisture while being drought-tolerant. Weekly watering is ideal, balancing slight soil dryness and dampness. Grown outdoors, it thrives on rainwater during the growing season for vibrant blooms and healthy foliage.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, sweet william requires balanced fertilizers (10-10-10) during spring and summer, every 4-6 weeks. Use a high phosphorus blend when planting for strong roots, and reduce fertilization frequency during dormancy. Avoid foliage contact to prevent burn; a quarter cup per square yard is adequate.

Pruning: This biennial plant, sweet william, features vibrant flower clusters. Prune in early to late spring by removing spent blooms and dead stems to enhance growth and flowering. Trim to healthy leaves or buds to maintain shape and prevent disease, ensuring continued growth and bloom cycles.

Propagation: Sweet william is propagated through cuttings using healthy shoots. Cut sections with two nodes, apply rooting hormone, and plant in well-drained soil. Maintain consistent moisture and provide indirect light and gentle warmth for growth, avoiding extreme environmental changes.

Repotting: Repot sweet william every 2-3 years in spring, using a larger pot with good drainage. After repotting, water thoroughly and provide bright, indirect light. Maintain consistent moisture without overwatering to promote optimal health.

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Images of Sweet william

Distribution of Sweet william

Culture

Cultivars

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Sweet william

Care Guide for Sweet william

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