Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000512
11/12/99

Dianthus barbatus--Sweet William


Hardiness Zones: 4 to 8
Height: 18 in Spread: 18 in
Type: herbaceous perennial
Flowers: Pink, red, salmon, white

Comments: Sweet William 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 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. The seed
germinates in 5 to 10 days at 70 degrees. The plants may
be propagated by cuttings and runner plants.

Cultivars:
'Double Dwarf' - A mixture of flower colors combined
with a dwarf, 6-inch height (Vis. 1).
'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 tall plants.
'Newport Pink' - Pink flowers on a 16-inch plant.
'Rondo Mix' - Six-inch tall plants begin flowering in
the first year. Flower colors are mixed but often
with darker centers.
'Scarlet Beauty' - Scarlet flowers, plants 16 inches
tall.

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


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