Dianthus ‘Heart Attack’

Common Name:
Sweet William ‘Heart Attack’ (Dianthus ‘Heart Attack’)

Description:
Dianthus ‘Heart Attack’ is an eye-catching cultivar of Sweet William known for its clusters of richly pigmented, crimson‑burgundy flowers that verge on almost black at times. The petals have subtle frilled edges, creating a refined, velvety texture. The blooms arise above a mound of deep green, narrow foliage, making it an elegant yet bold presence in borders, cottage gardens, or containers. Unlike many Dianthus that behave biennially, ‘Heart Attack’ is often grown as a short-lived perennial, returning reliably for multiple seasons under favourable conditions. To ensure repeat flowering, regular deadheading is beneficial. It thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, tolerating occasional dryness once established. In Melbourne, it performs well in cooler to temperate garden conditions, especially in sheltered positions.

Form:
Shrub – Clumping / Mounding
Ground Cover / Low border plant

Mature Size:
Height: ~ 25–30 cm
Width / Spread: ~ 35–40 cm

Aspect:
Full Sun
Part Shade

Flowering:
Flowers in Spring
Flowers in Summer
May continue into Autumn (especially with deadheading / mild climate)

Flower Colour:
Crimson‑burgundy
Very deep red / red‑black tones

Key Attributes:
Highly fragrant (sweet scent typical of dianthus)
Suitable for Pots
Bee Attracting
Perennial / short-lived perennial
Good as border / edging plant
Excellent for cut flowers (tight clusters, strong stems)

Toxicity:
Generally considered non‑toxic to humans and pets

Companion Plants:
Lavender (for scent and texture contrast)
Salvia (especially silver or blue forms)
Artemisia or other silver‑foliage plants
Low grasses or tussocks (e.g. Pennisetum ‘Hameln’)
Other small perennials of similar height (e.g. coreopsis, diascia)

Plant Growers Australia (PGA) is an innovative wholesale production nursery based in Melbourne, renowned for superior quality garden plants and pioneering breeding programs.
PGA do not sell direct to the public, but their website has detailed information on this species that is available for everyone to access. 
Visit www.pga.com.au for further details and photos of this plant.