Dianthus barbatus, the sweet William, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. It has become a popular ornamental garden plant.
Dianthus barbarous belong to the family of carnations and have a peculiar spicy aroma when they bloom. They are annual, biennial or perennial plants which are mostly fond as pot plants on various borders. They have been proved to be one of the oldest plants cultivated. While wild varieties of Dianthus plants are peculiar to Northern Europe, South Africa, China, Asia an Alaska regions of the world. These carnations have also been cultivated in the greenhouses and are used for wine flavoring in France and Spain. These plants have fragrant flowers, dashing varieties which can grow from 20 inches to 3 feet tall plants. Their mounded structure, produce flowers in clusters.