• Common name : Sweet William
• Scientific name : Dianthus barbatus
• Family : Caryophyllaceae
• Native land : Southern Europe from Pyrenees to Carpathians and Balkans
This is a short-lived perennial; it is also best grown as a biennial. The plant typically grows 1-2 feet tall and features small flowers held in dense, flat-topped terminal clusters. The plant prefers full sun, but may tolerate light shade. The flowers are held erect on long, upright stems over a compact mound of blue-green foliage. The plant attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. In ancient cultures, the petals of Sweet William were added to wine or vinegar to create a tonic that would sooth the nerves.
