Dianthus barbatus
(Sweet William)
Family - Caryophyllaceae
Category - Biennial
Origin - Southern and Eastern Europe
Year of Introduction - 1573
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer
Hardiness - H7
Height - 70cm
Width - 30cm
Location - The East Border, The House Border
Description: A short-lived Perennial with a bushy, upright habit. Mid-green leaves are lanceolate in shape. Saucer-shaped flowers are usually seen in shades of red, pink or white and are often bicoloured with a different colour at the centre. The flowers are held in dense, dome-like clusters atop upright stems and are produced from late spring into midsummer. Excellent for use as cut flowers and attractive to pollinating insects.
Flower:
Saucer-shaped flowers with toothed petal margins are usually in shades of pink, red or white, and are often bicoloured with a darker or lighter centre. Flowers are produced in clusters from May to July.
Flower colour: Pink, white, red
Flower shape: Saucer-shaped flowers in clusters
Flowering time: May, June, July
Foliage:
Glossy mid-green leaves are lanceolate in shape. The leaves are held in opposite pairs on the stems.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Lanceolate
Propagation:
Seed, cuttings.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun in well-drained soil.