The Sweet William or Dianthus Barbatus belongs to the genus Dianthus alongside the Indian Pink and Annual Carnation. According to many keen gardeners the Dianthus and its members have a place in every garden across the UK and can be used in rockeries, beds and window boxes such is the versatility of this genus.
With a long and varied history including accreditation by the Ancient Greeks, the many varieties of Dianthus would take an age to discuss so instead we will look at one of the most popular and well loved varieties, Dianthus Barbatus or Sweet William. Typical of a Dianthus species the Sweet William has grass like leaves and is a reasonably hardy garden plant that prefers a well drained soil and a sunny position.
Recognisable for its dense and flattened shaped flowers the Sweet William is available in most garden centres where a choice of single colour or 'eyed' varieties are available. Typical flowering period is around June and July with the one major drawback for most gardeners being that the Sweet William is biennial. This means that you will have to plant it one year but wait until the following season for it to flower but for many it is also worth the wait.
Traditionally native to the mountains of Southern Europe, the Dianthus Barbatus can also be found in north-eastern China, Korea and Russia. The flowers are produced in a dense cluster at the top of each stem and are widely recognisable. Sweet William traditionally has been used in landscaping and in cut flower displays as its height makes it perfect for flower arranging.
Today however it is widely used in borders, cottage style gardens and rock gardens, the garden plant is also favoured by many gardeners as its nectar is very attractive to wildlife. Best suited to sunny areas with partial shade and low alkaline soils this biennial garden plant can be propagated by seed, division or cuttings and will flower the following year. The Sweet William is also self-seeding.
The highly popular garden plant has been cultivated numerous times over the years and there are now many hybrids and cultivars available differing in colour and pattern. One of the best ways to see Sweet William in all its glory is to plant mixed seeds together. Once the seeds germinate and the plant flowers you will be left with a colourful array of pink, white, purple and mauve.
The Sweet William Monarch Mixed Seeds available from Plant Me Now for example are a fragrant 'cottage garden' favourite and are a great way to add some early summer colour to your garden beds and borders. Available now for sowing in April/June you can expect your garden to be in full colour between May and July next year.
