Sweet William Dianthus barbatus Auricula Eyed Mixed (p,a)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Dianthus barbatus, commonly known as Sweet William, features a captivating array of flowers typically seen in bouquets or cottage gardens. The 'Auricula Eyed Mixed' variety boasts a stunning blend of colors with each flower showcasing an enticing eye—a different color at the center, reminiscent of an auricula's dramatic appearance. The blossoms form dense clusters on top of the green stalks, creating a visually appealing contrast between the bright flowers and the lush foliage. The flowers of Sweet William 'Auricula Eyed Mixed' exhibit a wide color palette, including shades of red, pink, white, and bicolor variations. At the center, the "eye" contrasts with the primary petal color, adding depth and complexity to each flower. This characteristic gives the variety its name, as it resembles the pattern found in auricula flowers. Sweet William plants have lance-shaped leaves that are medium green in color. These leaves form a dense base from which the flower stems arise. The overall appearance of Sweet William is charming and old-fashioned, with dense clusters of small, frilled flowers that can add a touch of whimsy and color to any garden setting. The enticing fragrance of the flowers also adds to the sensory appeal of this beloved plant.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Caryophyllaceae.
- Synonyms
  Sweet William, Auricula Eyed Mix, Beard Flower, Bunch Pink, London Tufts, Sweetwilliam.
- Common names
  Dianthus barbatus Auricula Eyed Mixed.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Sweet William is considered non-toxic to humans. Ingestion of any part of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or adverse symptoms. However, as with any plant, individual sensitivities can vary, and it's always a good idea to avoid ingesting plant material that isn't known to be safe as food.
- To pets
  Sweet William is generally considered non-toxic to pets. Ingesting parts of this plant should not cause poisoning or serious symptoms in pets. However, individual animals may have different sensitivities, and consumption of non-food plants can sometimes lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, particularly if consumed in large quantities.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Biennials
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Mixed
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1 feet (30 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  3-9
- Native area
  Southern Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attractive to Pollinators: The vibrant flowers of Sweet William entice bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Sweet William is low maintenance and grows readily in a variety of soil types, making it ideal for novice gardeners.
- Colorful Display: With a mix of colors, they provide a striking display in gardens, borders, and as cut flowers in bouquets.
- Long Blooming Period: Sweet William often has a long flowering season, extending the period your garden stays vibrant.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Sweet William can tolerate periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drought-prone gardens.
- Cottage Garden Charm: Sweet William is classic in cottage-style gardens, adding an informal and nostalgic touch.
- Edible Flowers: The blooms are edible and can be used to garnish salads, desserts, or drinks, adding a splash of color and mild spice.
- Compact Growth: Its relatively compact size makes it suitable for containers, small gardens, or as border edging.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Sweet William, due to its vibrant colors, can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics or crafts. The petals can be boiled to extract pigments.
- The distinctive look of Sweet William makes it an excellent subject for botanical illustration, teaching artists about plant anatomy and color blending.
- Dried Sweet William flowers can be used in potpourri mixes to add a subtle fragrance and variety of color to the mix.
- In culinary arts, the petals of Sweet William can be crystallized and used as edible decorations on cakes and pastries.
- As part of a sensory garden, Sweet William can be included to stimulate the sense of smell with their sweet, clove-like fragrance.
- The plant can be used in educational settings to teach about pollination and the role of bees, as it is attractive to pollinators.
- Sweet William can be planted in a 'Cutting Garden' specifically for creating homegrown bouquets and fresh flower arrangements.
- Used in perfume making, the essential oil of Sweet William can contribute a unique note to custom fragrance blends.
- The plant's compact growth habit can be employed in garden design as a border plant to delineate spaces or pathways.
- As part of wildlife gardens or conservation areas, Sweet William can provide nectar and habitat for beneficial insects, such as butterflies.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Sweet William is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Sweet William is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Love: Dianthus, commonly known as "sweet william," has been a symbol of love and affection. This symbolism comes from the historical language of flowers where different species represented different aspects of emotional communication.
- Daring: The name "sweet william" is said to be in honor of Prince William, Duke of Cumberland, and because of this royal association, the plant can symbolize boldness or daring behavior.
- Finesse: The intricate patterns and bright colors of some Dianthus varieties, especially those with "eye" patterns like the Auricula Eyed, suggest a sense of finesse and meticulous beauty.
- Perseverance: Dianthus plants are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in challenging conditions, hence they often symbolize perseverance and endurance.
- Protective Nature: In traditional folklore, it was believed that Dianthus had protective properties and was used to ward off negative energies or spirits, representing a guardian-like symbolism.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every 1-2 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Sweet William should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Aim to water this plant every week with about 1 inch of water, depending on the weather conditions and soil drainage. During periods of high heat or drought, increase watering frequency to maintain moist soil. However, overwatering or allowing the roots to sit in water can lead to root rot, so ensure the soil is well-draining. It's best to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow foliage to dry out, minimizing the risk of disease.
Light
Sweet William thrives in full sunlight to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If grown as a potted plant, place it in a sunny windowsill or a spot in the garden that receives ample morning light and some afternoon shade, especially in regions with very hot summers.
Temperature
Sweet William prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate a range as low as 40°F and as high as 85°F. Ideal growing temperatures are between 50°F and 70°F. This plant can survive light frosts, making it suitable for cooler climates and for planting in the spring and fall seasons.
Pruning
Prune Sweet William to encourage bushier growth and more abundant blooms. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. After the main bloom, cut back the stems to encourage a second flush of flowers. The best time for a major pruning is in early spring or after the plant completes its bloom cycle in early summer.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Sweet William prefers well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH of around 6.5 to 7.5. A mix of loam, sand, and compost or well-rotted manure will provide the nutrients needed for optimal growth.
Repotting
Sweet William typically does not require frequent repotting; it's best done every 2-3 years or when the plant has outgrown its pot.
Humidity & Misting
Sweet William thrives in average humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place Sweet William in a sunny spot with good air circulation.
- Outdoor
  Plant in a sunny area with well-draining soil.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
The Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus 'Auricula Eyed Mixed'), often grown as a biennial, begins with seed germination, typically in late spring to early summer, where it establishes a rosette of leaves in its first year. During this vegetative stage, the plant focuses on root and foliage growth, preparing for future flowering. In its second year, as temperatures rise in late spring, it transitions to the reproductive stage, sending up tall stalks topped with clusters of fragrant flowers that showcase a palette of colors often with contrasting "eyes." After pollination by insects, the flowers produce seeds by late summer. The parent plant usually dies after seeding, completing its life cycle, although some may survive into a third year in mild climates. The newly formed seeds can then be dispersed to start new plants, continuing the Sweet William's life cycle.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- Propogation: Sweet William, known scientifically as Dianthus barbatus Auricula Eyed Mixed, can be propagated most commonly through seeds. The ideal time for sowing Sweet William seeds is late spring or early summer, as the plant tends to thrive in cooler temperatures. To propagate, the seeds should be sown on the surface of a well-draining soil mix in either a seed tray or outdoor flower bed, with only a light dusting of soil over them to secure their position. It's crucial to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to ensure germination, which usually occurs within a period of 7 to 14 days with a temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius). Seedlings can be thinned out or transplanted once they've grown sufficiently to handle, typically when they have a couple of sets of true leaves. They should be spaced about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate airflow and growth.