Sweet William Old-Fashioned Favorite in Gardens
Flowers in Clusters of Various Colors and Assorted Patterns
Jul 22, 2009
This plant has been a favorite in flower gardens for many generations. The genus Dianthus has about three hundred species. Most are native to Europe and Asia. Carnations, Cottage Pinks, and Sweet William are some of the most popular.
Sweet William Biennial or Perennial
This familiar old-fashioned plant that is classified as a perennial, sometimes behaves as an annual. The many cultivars and hybrids of this colorful, compact plant include perennials and biennials. Some are listed as annuals. As stated in Taylor’s Guide to Perennials, “most varieties biennials, although annual self-seeding creates an image of perennial nature”.
If allowed to self seed, Sweet William will produce new growth after blooming. The plant will also expand by roots. The following year’s flowers will appear on that growth which is evergreen. In a naturalized area, a Sweet William plant will self seed and spread. The flowers may or may not appear true to the original, but will provide plenty of color. Plants will grow from five to eighteen inches tall, depending upon the variety. Insect and disease problems seldom occur. Hot, humid weather may cause some mildew which can be treated with organic fungicide.
Where to Grow the Versatile Sweet William
Sweet William prefers light loam soil that is amended with compost. It is best grown in sunny locations that have good drainage. Where the summers are extremely hot, it should be grown in partial shade. Its neat mounds are easy to care for, and seldom need pruning except for the stems of spent flowers. Sweet William is not suitable for tropical zones.
It is suitable for mass plantings and mixed flower borders, and excellent for holding the soil on slopes if allowed to self seed. Compact sizes do well in containers, pots, window boxes, and rockeries.
Clusters of Flowers in Many Colors and Designs
The individual flowers that measure about one inch in diameter, form clusters above the foliage. They have five petals with serrated or fringed edges. The colors vary greatly from white, pink, rose, red, and burgundy in an assortment of patterns. In many, the petals' edges are a different color than the centres. Sweet William is an excellent long-lasting cut flower when the water is regularly changed. The tapered, smooth leaves grow to about four-inch lengths.
Propagation by Several Methods
- Self seeding when spent flowers left on plant
- Seeds planted directly into garden early in spring
- Seeds started indoors six to eight weeks before last frost date
- Division of established plant
- Layering (especially those with double blooms so they will ‘come true’)
Layering for propagation is quite easy. Lay a ground-level stem into the soil, cover, place a peg over it to hold it in position.
The Sweet William frequently presents surprises in the garden. The attached photograph of the pink flowers is an example of that. It is actually a division of the other plant shown with burgundy-colored flowers. Strangely, the petals do not have fringed edges.
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