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Sweet William Etournelle Lilac seeds - Dianthus barbatus

Dianthus barbatus Etournelle Lilac
Sweet William

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A biennial variety with romantic charm, producing delicate lilac-pink flowers with soft hues, borne in dense clusters on sturdy stems. Its light green, finely cut foliage highlights its fragrant inflorescences. This easy-to-grow plant thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil in a sunny position. It is cold-resistant and its early flowering, from June to August, brings a touch of freshness to beds, borders and country bouquets. Sow the seeds under cover, from January to February as a late-flowering annual, or from June to July to see them flower the following spring.
Flower size
3 cm
Height at maturity
45 cm
Exposure
Sun
Germination time (days)
14 days
Sowing method
Direct sowing, Sowing under cover
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Sowing period January to February, June to July
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Flowering time June to August
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Description

Sweet William or Dianthus barbatus 'Etournelle Lilac' Seeds allow you to easily grow this ornamental biennial, prized for its umbels of small lilac flowers with subtle shades and a light fragrance. This upright and bushy variety illuminates flower beds, borders and planters with its generous flowering. Its light green, finely cut foliage contrasts elegantly with the softness of its flowers. Easy to grow in rich, moist and well-drained soil, it tolerates cold well and enjoys sunny exposures.

Sweet William Etournelle Lilac, also called Poet's Pink or Bearded Pink, belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. This species is native to Eurasia, particularly the temperate regions of southern Europe and western Asia. In its natural habitat, it grows in open areas, on forest edges or grassy slopes. The Etournelle Lilac cultivar, selected for its nuanced lilac inflorescences, stands out for its early and uniform flowering, as well as its elongated stems, ideal for cutting. It reaches a height of 40 to 50 cm in open ground and has an upright and branching habit. Its light green, lanceolate and smooth foliage measures about 5 to 10 cm long. The flowers, grouped in corymbiform cymes 8 to 12 cm in diameter, are lightly scented and composed of five fringed petals. Flowering extends from May to August. If the plant is placed in partial shade, it flowers until autumn, with fewer flowers. The scent of the flowers is both spicy and sweet, like clove and cinnamon.

In the garden, Sweet William Etournelle Lilac introduces a delicate rhythm with its floral domes, carried by light but firm stems. It fits perfectly on the edge of mixed borders where its spring flowering precedes the great summer stars. It will be happily associated with Campanula persicifolia 'Alba', whose white bells resonate with the fineness of its flowers, or with Alchemilla mollis, whose embossed and acid green foliage contrasts elegantly. Alongside it, Papaver somniferum 'Black Peony' adds a dramatic depth to the scene.

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Carnation: planting, care and sowing tips
Family sheet
by Virginie T. 10 min.
Carnation: planting, care and sowing tips
Read article

Flowering

Flower colour pink
Flowering time June to August
Inflorescence Cyme
Flower size 3 cm
Fragrance slightly scented, sweet, spicy
Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators
Good for cut flowers Cut flower blooms

Foliage

Foliage persistence Semi-evergreen
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 45 cm
Spread at maturity 30 cm
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Dianthus

Species

barbatus

Cultivar

Etournelle Lilac

Family

Caryophyllaceae

Other common names

Sweet William

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 24502

Planting and care

Sow the seeds of Sweet William Etournelle Lilac indoors or in a greenhouse, from January to February as a late-flowering annual, or from June to July to see them flower in spring.

Sow on the surface of good quality, well-drained compost. Place the seed tray in a propagator at a temperature of 15-20°C, or in a clear polythene bag until germination, which takes 7-21 days. Keep the compost moist but not waterlogged, and do not exclude light.

When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick out into 8cm pots and allow the young plants to develop in cooler conditions. When all risk of frost has passed, gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions for 7-10 days before transplanting outside. Space them 30cm apart, and plant in any fertile, well-drained soil in full sun.

 

Sowing period

Sowing period January to February, June to July
Sowing method Direct sowing, Sowing under cover
Germination time (days) 14 days

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Woodland edge
Type of use Border, Edge of border, Container
Hardiness Hardy down to -18°C (USDA zone 7a) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil moisture Moist soil, Well-draining, fertile

Planting & care advice

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