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Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
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Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)

Dianthus

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameSweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
DescriptionCharming cottage garden biennial featuring dense, rounded clusters of small, fringed flowers in vibrant shades of red, pink, white, purple, and striking bicolors, often with contrasting eyes or patterns. Blooms emit a delightful spicy, clove-like fragrance. The 'bearded' appearance of the flower centers (from which 'barbatus' derives) adds to their distinctive charm. A beloved old-fashioned flower that self-seeds readily, providing continuous color in borders and cutting gardens with minimal care.
FamilyCaryophyllaceae
GenusDianthus
TribeCaryophylleae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ K(5) C5 A(5+5) G(2-5)

Ebracteate (no bracts), radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 5 fused sepals forming tube, 5 free petals with fringed edges and long claws, 10 stamens in 2 whorls of 5, 2-5 fused carpels with superior ovary and free central placentation

Features
  • Name 'Dianthus' from Greek 'dios' (divine) and 'anthos' (flower) meaning 'divine flower' or 'flower of Zeus.' 'Barbatus' means 'bearded,' referring to fringed petals and hairy bracts at flower center. 'Sweet William' origin uncertain—possibly named for William Shakespeare, William the Conqueror, or Saint William. Related to carnations
  • Flowers 0.5-0.75 inches (1-2 cm) across, arranged in dense, flat-topped clusters (cymes) of 5-30 blooms per stem. Five fringed petals with toothed edges. Colors include red, pink, white, purple, magenta, and bicolors with contrasting eyes or zones. Strong, spicy clove fragrance. Single and double forms available
  • Biennial or short-lived perennial. First year produces foliage rosette; second year sends up flowering stems in late spring to early summer (May-July). Self-seeds prolifically for continuous presence. Some varieties grown as annuals. Blooms last 4-6 weeks
  • Grows 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall, dwarf varieties 6-10 inches. Spread of 9-12 inches. Lifespan of 2-3 years. Propagated from seed (sow in late spring for next year's bloom, germinates in 10-14 days), stem cuttings, or division
  • Native to southern Europe, particularly mountains of southern France, Spain, and Italy. Naturalized throughout Europe and North America. Found in meadows, rocky slopes, and woodland edges. Cultivated since Elizabethan times
  • Prefers full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours sun). Thrives in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil (pH 6.5-7.5). Tolerates poor soil. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering. Water moderately; drought tolerant once established. Hardy zones 3-9
  • Excellent cut flower lasting 7-10 days. Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant. Edible flowers used as garnish (remove bitter white base). Popular in cottage gardens, borders, and rock gardens. Self-seeds but not invasive. Symbolizes gallantry and finesse in Victorian language of flowers

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificDianthus
English (Alternate)Sweet William, Pinks, Dianthus barbatus
Hindi डायनथस (Dianthus), स्वीट विलियम (Sweet William)
Tamil இனிப்பு வில்லியம் (Sweet William), டயந்தஸ் (Dianthus)
Teluguదామంతిపువ్వు (Damanthipuvvu), దామంతిపువ్వు (Damanthipuvvu)
Malayalamഡയാന്തസ് (Dayaanthas), കാർണേഷൻ(Kaarneyshan), പിങ്ക്(Pink)
Kannadaಡಯಾಂಥಸ್ (Dianthus), ವೈಭವದ ಹೂವು (Vaibhavaada Hoo)
Sanskritपाटलपुष्पम् (paaTalapuShpam), कान्तकाध्या (kantakaadhya)
Bengaliডায়ান্থাস (Dianthus), পিঙ্ক (Pink)
Frenchœillet (eh-YUHT)
Russianгвоздика (gvozdika)
Spanishclavel
GermanNelke

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.