Sweet William is also called ‘Indian Carpet’. Opinions differ regarding the origin of the name of the flower. While some feel that it is named after Saint William of York or William the Conqueror, others opine that it may have derived its name from Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland. In English ballads, young men who were forsaken by their beloved were popularly referred to as sweet William.

This perennial or occasionally biennial herb grows to an average height of 2 or 3 feet. The small flowers with fringed petals cluster at the end of the stalk and are available in shades of pink, red, purple or violet. This spring flower blossoms during April and September and its unusually fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies and birds which help in pollination. The evergreen tapering leaves have a somewhat frosted look and are blue-green in colour.

Sweet William can be found in Europe as well as in all parts of the U.S.A. It grows well in loamy, slightly acidic soil with bright sunlight, although sometimes it grows well in partial shade also.

The highly decorative appearance of the flowers has made it a popular garden flower and is used in landscaping and also for putting borders. It is also used in flower arrangements and as cut flowers.