Sweet william
Dianthus barbatus
Also called Sweet William and Bearded pink
Garden plant · BeddingIt is a BIENNIAL: sown in June it makes a rosette, sits through winter, flowers the following May and then dies. A tray bought in flower is already in its second year.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 5 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun
- Feed
- Every 21 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Very hardy RHS H7, to -25°C
- Size
- 0.5 m tall · 0.3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Biennial
- Origin
- Southern Europe
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats, horses. Signs: vomiting and skin irritation.
PeopleIrritates skin
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS calls it a skin allergen and says to wear gloves when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.