"Dianthus barbatus - Sweet William"

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USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8

Height: 18 in (45 cm)

Spread: 18 in (45 cm)

Type: herbaceous perennial

Flowers: Pink, red, salmon, white.

Growing Sweet William

Comments: The Sweet William flower is a biennial which acts as a perennial by re-seeding itself. If not allowed to set seed, clusters of new plants form around the old stalk. The plants grow 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) tall and bloom in midsummer. Sweet William grows in slightly alkaline soil and likes a warm sunny growing area. A planting will probably only last 2 or 3 years and must then be replaced. The blossoms are excellent cut flowers.

Propagation

Propagation is easiest by seed. Sweet William seed germinates in 5 to 10 days at 70 degrees F (21 degC). The plants may be propagated by cuttings and runner plants.

Cultivars

'Double Dwarf' - A mixture of flower colors combined with a dwarf, 6-inch (15 cm) height .
'Dunnet's Dark Crimson' - Dark, crimson flowers.
'Harlequin' - Ball-shaped flower heads.
'Hollandia Hybrid' - Rounded flower heads are produced in a variety of colors on 2-foot (60 cm) tall plants.
'Newport Pink' - Pink flowers on a 16-inch (40 cm) plant.
'Rondo Mix' - Six-inch (15 cm) tall plants begin flowering in the first year. Flower colors are mixed but often with darker centers.
'Scarlet Beauty' - Scarlet flowers, plants 16 inches (40 cm)tall.

References for Cultivars: Walters Gardens 1999, Park Seeds 1994, Thompson and Morgan 1997, Bailey Nurseries 1999, Sheridan Nurseries 1999.

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This information kindly supplied by Michigan State University Extension, Ornamental Plants.

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