Dianthus barbatus is an herbaceous biennial (leaves the first year, bloom the second year) or short-lived perennial, native to the mountains of southern Europe and parts of Asia. It has become a popular ornamental garden plant.
Dianthus barbatus, commonly called sweet William, typically grows up to 90 cm tall and features small flowers held in dense, flat-topped terminal clusters of up to 30 at the top of the stems. Each flower has a diameter of 2 to 3 cm with five petals displaying serrated edges.
Dianthus barbatus blooms from late spring to early summer. Wild plants produce red flowers with a white base. Colors of cultivars range from white, pink, red, and purple to variegated patterns. Flowers have a spicy, clove-like scent, attracting bees and butterflies. Sweet Williams will self-sow if you do not cut off the flower stalks that have finished flowering.