Dianthus barbatus 'Summer Sundae' (Sweet William)

Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 1 user review)

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Hardiness Zones:

Botanical Name: Dianthus barbatus 'Summer Sundae' dy-ANN-thus bar-BAT-us

Common Name: Sweet William Genus: Dianthus

'Summer Sundae' Sweet William is a nice mix of red, pink, and white flowers held in rounded groups at the tops of stems. Plants bloom from late spring to early summer. The flowers are lightly fragrant. Use in a cottage garden or border, or in containers. It flowers the first year from seed.
Noteworthy characteristics: Biennial that flowers in the first year from seed. A mix of reds, pinks, and white. Lightly fragrant.
Care: Grow in full sun and well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Will not tolerate standing water in winter. Organic mulches may encourage fungal diseases. Deadhead regularly. Provide a break from afternoon sun in hot climates.
Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame from autumn to early spring, or sow in situ in summer to flower the following year.
Problems: Slugs, sow bugs, grasshoppers, chipmunks, squirrels, and deer commonly cause problems. Blister beetles are problematic in the West, while fungal diseases are prevalent in humid regions and poorly drained soils.

Overview
User Reviews
Photos

Height	1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread	6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Pace	Moderate Grower
Light	Full Sun Only
Moisture	Adaptable
Maintenance	Moderate
Characteristics	Attracts Butterflies; Fragrant Flowers; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time	Early Summer; Late Spring; Spring; Summer
Flower Color	Pink Flower; Red Flower; White Flower
Uses	Beds and Borders, Container, Cut Flower
Style	Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest	Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type	Annuals

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posted by sandara
11/1/2009
Region: Pacific Northwest
Zone: 9

I planted wildflowers in a large pot and these came back for the last two years, and are so tall and beautiful. I had them on the deck so didn't have snail or bug problems. They lasted all through the summer and everyone admired them. They grew to 3 ft. high. I have another large container planted now, and put the others in the ground so I expect I'll have lots of sweet williams, and they have such a wonderful scent.

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