Marianne's Response

Sweet William?

Hi Marianne! Thank you for your time. I am looking for more Sweet William, I thought. When I looked online they say it’s actually Dianthus. I have Dianthus, low growing, and that’s not what folks told me this plant was….unless it’s a version of Dianthus? It has bouquets of purple/white flowers on a long stem …very fragrant and butterflies love them. I want more and I can’t seem to find them. Do you know what I’m talking about? For 2 years I’ve been unsuccessful in finding more. Pouty face here. 🙂 Thanks for any help. I’d send a photo but they are not blooming yet. 🙁

Posted by MemeSharon on May 8, 2020

Marianne's Response

I love Sweet William, the old fashioned and fragrant version of dianthus with the name Dianthus barbatus. Go ahead and order it as a type of  dianthus but because there are many types in the dianthus family order from a company that shows photos or buy from a local nursery so you can be sure you get the ruffled bi-colored blooms that are so lovely. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti

    Search the Ask the Gardening Expert library

    Looking for a quick resolution to your problem? Marianne has answered thousands of gardening questions. One may be similar to yours. Try searching our library to get the answer you need — fast!

    My Topics

    View questions you submitted to Marianne in the past

    VIEW MY QUESTIONS