Sweet william

Sweet william is a common name for Dianthus barbatus, a flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to southern Europe and parts of Asia, but has been widely cultivated and naturalized in other regions. It is a herbaceous biennial or short-lived perennial plant that grows to 1-2 feet tall and wide. It has pointed green leaves and clusters of small flowers with five petals and serrated edges, in colors such as red, pink, white, or bi-colored. Sweet william blooms from spring to summer and has a spicy, clove-like scent. Sweet william is a popular ornamental plant for cottage gardens, perennial beds, or containers. It attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.