Botanical Name

Dianthus barbatus

Commonly known as Sweet William

Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William)
Perennial

Dense flat clusters in zoned bicolors with a sweet clove fragrance. Old-fashioned cottage charm that returns reliably.

Quick Reference
Bloom Season
May to Jul
USDA Zones
3-9
Sun
Full Sun or Part Sun
Water
Moderate - regular watering
Mature Height
12-24"
Bloom Colors
PinkRedWhitePurple
Fragrant Cut Flower Pollinator Friendly Deer Resistant Container Friendly
Read the full Sweet William growing guide →

Companion plants, planting tips, FAQ, and more

About This Name

Dianthus barbatus is the scientific name used by botanists, nurseries, and seed catalogs to identify Sweet William unambiguously. The genus Dianthus places it within a specific plant family, and using the botanical name avoids the confusion that comes with regional common names. If you're shopping for Sweet William, looking up plant care details, or comparing varieties, searching by Dianthus barbatus will give you the most precise results.