Dianthus barbatus

Sweet William

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Subkingdom: Tracheophyta (Vascular plants)
• Superdivision: Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
• Division: Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
• Class: Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
• Subclass: Caryophyllidae
• Order: Caryophyllales
• Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink family)
• Genus: Dianthus
• Species: D. barbatus

Common Names by Region

• United States: Sweet William
• United Kingdom: Sweet William
• France: Œillet de poète
• Germany: Bartnelke
• Italy: Garofano dei poeti

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Description

• Growth Habit: Herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial
• Size: Typically grows 15-60 cm (6-24 inches) tall
• Leaves: Narrow, lance-shaped, dark green leaves arranged oppositely along the stems
• Flowers: Dense clusters of small, fringed flowers, often in shades of red, pink, white, or bi-colored, with a mild, sweet fragrance

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Known Range

• Native Range: Southern Europe, particularly mountainous regions
• Cultivated Range: Widely grown in temperate zones worldwide for ornamental purposes

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Care Requirements

• Light: Prefers full sun to partial shade
• Watering: Moderate watering; avoid waterlogging
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH
• Humidity: Tolerant of average humidity levels
• Temperature: Thrives in cool to mild climates, ideal temperature range between 15°C-24°C (59°F-75°F)
• Propagation: By seed sown directly in the garden or started indoors; also propagated through cuttings
• Common Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and fungal diseases such as rust and leaf spot

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Additional Notes

• Special Features: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; excellent as a cut flower for arrangements
• Maintenance Level: Low to moderate; deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming

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