Dianthus barbatus

These sweetly-scented blossoms will bring irresistible charm to any flower bed. This delicate flower blooms in pink, red, and white, and is a happy camper in most garden conditions.

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) belongs to the Dianthus flower family, which also includes pinks and carnations. Greek botanist Theophrastus gave these flowers the genus name Dianthus, which means "divine flower." The origin of the common name Sweet William has been debated, though one interesting theory states that the "William" comes from a mispronunciation of the French word for the flower, "oiellet." The name has also been said to honor either William Shakespeare, the Duke of York, the Duke of Cumberland, or William the Conqueror. Their sweetness comes from the distinctive clove-like scent of the blossoms; in the language of flowers, this flower symbolizes gallantry.

FAST FACTS

Common Names: Sweet-William, Sweetwilliam
Latin Name: Dianthus barbatus
Species Origin: Southern Europe
Type: Garden Flowers
Life Cycle: Perennial
USDA Zones: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
US Regions: California, Mountain, Arid/Desert, Plains/Texas, Midwest, Northern, Northeast, Southeast
Stratification: No Stratification
Germination Ease: No Stratification
Sunlight: Full Sun
Height: 16 Inches
Color: White, Pink, Red
Bloom Season: Blooms Late Spring, Blooms Early Summer
Uses: Aromatic