Two Interesting Facts on Wild Sweet William

Sweet William Impostors

• Wild sweet William varieties are impostors. They are actually named after Dianthus barbatus, which is the original Sweet William plant. The pink, purple or blue flowers of the wild sweet William are so similar in appearance to Dianthus barbatus flowers that the wildflower was given the same common name. Dianthus barbatus even grows in almost the same climates as wild sweet William -- USDA zones 3 through 9.

Ice Age Survivors

• Some types of wild sweet William are thought to have survived the ice age, according to the National Gardening Association. The first, Phlox divaricata laphamii, can be found in Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas. Another plant, identifiable by its notched petals, is found in the Appalachian Mountains. That Phlox divaricata cultivar has not been formally named.

Deer Hate Them

• Deer are notorious for eating almost anything in sight -- especially during lean winter months. It's sometimes difficult for home gardeners to find plants that these continuously hungry animals avoid. Wild sweet William is one such plant. Deer may tend to avoid them because the stems and leaves are sticky and hairy -- not the most appetizing of textures. For this reason, these plants make a good choice for a home garden in areas where deer roam.

Birds Love Them

• Wild Sweet William is a great choice if you are a bird-watcher. Birds, hummingbirds and butterflies all flock to the colorful summer blooms of this plant. Choose Phlox maculata if you want a species that grows upright -- the stems can reach heights of 3 feet. Choose Phlox divaricata if you want to plant the flowers in a hanging basket. The stems of this plant drape attractively about a foot over the edge of a container.