Sweet williams and other members of the carnation family are experiencing a well-deserved resurgence in gardens, according to a recent gardening feature. Once dismissed as old-fashioned bedding plants, these hardy and charming flowers are now being celebrated for their ease of growth and vibrant colours.
The Carnation Family: Caryophyllaceae
The carnation family, scientifically known as Caryophyllaceae, includes familiar flowers such as sweet william (Dianthus barbatus) and rose campion. Despite their long-standing presence in garage forecourt bouquets, they have only recently begun to gain traction in garden settings. One gardener noted that a rose campion plant appeared unexpectedly in their garden, surviving a scorched wasteland in July and thriving in a wildflower patch that now hosts moths, grasshoppers, and bees. The plant, with its bright pink flowers and soft grey leaves, has become a welcome addition, encouraged to self-seed.
Sweet Williams at Murray Edwards College
The trend was further highlighted during a visit to Murray Edwards College in Cambridge, where head gardener Caitlin Sparksman showcased a cutting bed filled with sweet williams, poppies, cosmos, cornflowers, sweetpeas, and nasturtiums. The sweet williams, described as boiled-sweet coloured and bushy, added a charming, cottagey feel to the arrangement and lasted well when cut. The cutting bed, now in its fourth year, features perennials at the centre and a mix of planted and self-seeded annuals around them. Bunny tail grass and sweet williams bolstered the corners, creating a designed yet natural look.
Growing Sweet Williams: A Gardener's Guide
Sweet williams are biennials, meaning they take two seasons to grow from seed to flower. To enjoy their blooms next summer, gardeners should sow seeds now. They are considered so easy to grow that they are often recommended for children. Hardy and direct-sow friendly, they require weeding and watering before sowing, and the soil must be kept moist until the plants are established. Foliage appears in the first year, with flowers following in the second.
For those inspired to try, varieties such as Dianthus barbatus 'Barbienne Salmon', 'Sooty', and 'Chiltern Seeds Pastel Mix' are available. These can be scattered into gaps in wildflower patches or garden beds for a colourful display.
