sweet William
Dianthus barbatus 'Pinocchio'
Overview
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus 'Pinocchio') is a stunning plant species renowned for its beauty and pleasant fragrance. This hardy and easy to care for perennial produces vividly striped, deep-pink flowers on tall stems. Its ruffled petals and unique pinched nose-like center give it a distinguished look. Their fragrance is so powerful that one can smell a bouquet of freshly cut flowers even when standing at a distance. And the beauty of the flowers remain intact even after they dry out, making them an ideal choice for floral arrangements. Sweet William is an excellent choice for any gardener looking for a flowering plant that will last as long as their love.
Care Guide
Watering
Sweet Williams should be watered regularly but not too frequently. During the spring and summer months, water your Sweet William when the soil feels dry to the touch. During the cooler months, reduce the amount of watering to once every 2 weeks. During the warmer months, allowing the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again helps prevent root rot. Be sure to check the soil before each watering to ensure your Sweet William is not getting overwatered. Additionally, do not allow the plant to stand in water.
Light
Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus 'Pinocchio') grows best when exposed to full sun for approximately 6 hours per day. This sun exposure should be between the hours of 11 am and 4 pm. If the plant is planted in an area that gets less sun, their flowers will likely be less vibrant, and their growth might be stunted. Sweet William also does well with some shade or filtered sunlight during the afternoons.
Temperature
Hardiness zone 3–9.
Pruning
For pruning sweet William (Dianthus barbatus 'Pinocchio'), pruning can begin in late spring (either May or June, depending on your climate). Cut back the old flowers and stems, leaving about 1 third of the foliage. This will encourage fresh new growth. Prune evergreen forms after the flowers have faded. Prune back the stems to 10-12 cm from the base of the plant. Prune off old, dead and/or diseased foliage. Do this every 3-4 years if you would like your sweet William to remain healthy and looking its best.
Propagation
Division, Cutting, Seed Propagation, Layering Propagation
Uses & Symbolism
Attracts: Hummingbirds, Butterflies.
Related plants
Other plants you might like if you grow sweet William.
