Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Sweet Williams

Dianthus Barbatus

Design with this plant

Overview

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is a vibrant perennial that boasts dense clusters of fragrant flowers. Blossoms appear in a spectrum from white to deep red with a height of 0.5-2.5 feet. Prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soil. Its low-maintenance and long blooming period, from late spring to early summer, make it ideal for borders, beds, and as a cut flower in arrangements. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Sun Full, HalfWater MediumZones 6–10Type BiennialClimate Mediterranean
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — it is known for its prolific blooming and ease of care; they are excellent choices for borders, image 67

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Medium
USDA zones
6–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Biennial
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (159)

Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — Its upright form can also bring structure to the design
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — Its low-maintenance and long blooming period; will keep Sweet William looking its best, image 60
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — multi-colored and pink and red and white flowers in the garden; it is known for its prolific blooming and ease of care
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — creating a striking backdrop for the clusters of small flowers; it is known for its prolific blooming and ease, image 70
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — consider its ability to provide eye-catching color and pleasing fragrance along pathways
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — and as a charming addition to a cottage garden; they are excellent choices for borders, image 75
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — will keep Sweet William looking its best; its low-maintenance and long blooming period, image 137
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — Blossoms appear in a spectrum from white to deep red with a height of 0.5-2.5 feet; it is known for its prolific blooming
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — they are excellent choices for borders
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — biennial with multi-colored and pink and red and white blooms; they are excellent choices for borders, image 83
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — multi-colored and pink and red and white flowers in the garden; it is known for its prolific blooming and ease, image 110
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — especially during dry spells; will keep Sweet William looking its best, image 80
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — creating a lush mound of foliage and blooms; will keep Sweet William looking its best, image 96
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — and as a cut flower in arrangements; they are excellent choices for borders, image 63
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — spicy fragrance to the landscape; its low-maintenance and long blooming period, image 121
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — and as a charming addition to a cottage garden
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus) is a vibrant perennial that boasts dense clusters of fragrant flowers; its, image 85
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — make it ideal for borders; it is known for its prolific blooming and ease of care, image 62
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — Hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9; its low-maintenance and long blooming period
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — A member of the Caryophyllaceae family; it is known for its prolific blooming and ease of care, image 94
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — Its upright form can also bring structure to the design; they are excellent choices for borders
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — Prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-drained soil; they are excellent choices for borders
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — biennial for full or half
Sweet Williams (Dianthus Barbatus) — multi-colored and pink and red and white flowers in the garden; it is known for its prolific blooming and ease, image 138
Photographs by 12 contributors

Related plants

Australian Astroturf (Scleranthus Biflorus) — This plant thrives with minimal water

Ground cover

Australian Astroturf

Scleranthus Biflorus

HalfUSDA 8–10
Baby's Breath, Baby'S-Breath (Gypsophila Paniculata) — Thriving in full sun and well-drained soil

Perennial

Baby's Breath, Baby'S-Breath

Gypsophila Paniculata

FullUSDA 3–10
Bath Pinks (Dianthus 'Bath's Pink') — Dianthus 'Bath's Pink' is an enchanting evergreen perennial

Biennial

Bath Pinks

Dianthus 'Bath's Pink'

FullUSDA 6–9
'Black Cherry Frost' Pinks (Dianthus hybrid) — Proven Winners - Fruit Punch® 'Black Cherry Frost' - Pinks - Dianthus hybrid red velvety red plant details

'Black Cherry Frost' Pinks

Dianthus hybrid

Bladder Campion (Silene Uniflora) — hence the name "Bladder" Campion; it bears white, balloon-like flowers atop 6-12 inch stems with narrow, image 179

Perennial

Bladder Campion

Silene Uniflora

HalfUSDA 1–11
Carnation (Dianthus Caryophyllus) — annual for full or half; note that their perennial nature ensures they'll enjoy this engaging flower year after year with

Annual

Carnation

Dianthus Caryophyllus

FullUSDA 8–10