Dianthus barbatus, commonly known as sweet William, is a biennial or short-lived perennial flowering plant native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. It is widely cultivated for its dense, colorful flower clusters that bloom in shades of red, pink, white, and bi-colored patterns, often with strikingly fringed petals. The plants typically grow 30 to 60 centimeters tall, forming upright stems with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and flat-topped inflorescences that can span up to 10 centimeters across. Flowering from late spring to mid-summer, Dianthus barbatus adds vibrant color and fragrance to garden beds, borders, and cottage gardens. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soils, and it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. With its old-fashioned charm and rich symbolism of gallantry and affection, sweet William remains a timeless favorite in ornamental horticulture.