Product Description
Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch' (3.5-inch pot)
Common Name: Cheddar Pinks
Shocking magenta-pink, upward-facing blooms which exude the scent of cloves appear in masses above silvery-blue mats of evergreen foliage. Each of the 5 petals have serrated edges, looking as if they have been trimmed with pinking shears, hence the common name 'Pinks'. If deadheaded, this species will flower heaviest in early summer and again in fall.
Dianthus grow best in loose, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Lime can be added to the soil if it is naturally acidic to raise the pH. Dianthus can be grown in full sun or part shade, but the foliage will not be as lush and fewer flowers will be produced if it is grown in hot, dry areas. Regular watering during prolonged dry spells will be necessary. However, they are tolerant of short periods of dryness.
Do a thorough clean-up in the fall to prevent pest and disease problems and add a layer of mulch to protect the evergreen foliage. As soon as the weather begins to warm up, remove all of this mulch to prevent crown rot.
Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2006
Missouri Botanical Garden Plants of Merit
Height: 7.0-8.0 Inches
Spread: 12.0 Inches
Hardiness Zones: 3,4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Blue shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) - Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Low to Average Water Needs
Average Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Early Summer - Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Deer Resistant
Seasonal Interest: Dried Seed Heads
Evergreen
Growth Rate: Medium
Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Drought Tolerant, Easy To Grow, Edging, Fragrant Flowers, Fragrant Foliage, Mass Planting, Salt Tolerant
Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch' is a vibrant and fragrant perennial that sets gardens ablaze with its profusion of hot pink flowers. Here is a closer look at this captivating plant:
Appearance:
- Flowers: 'Firewitch' produces a dazzling display of single, magenta-pink flowers with fringed petals. The flowers are about 1 inch wide and have a light, spicy fragrance reminiscent of cloves. They bloom heavily in late spring to early summer, with sporadic repeat blooms throughout the summer and often a rebloom in early fall.
- Foliage: The plant forms a low-growing mat of blue-green, grass-like foliage. The foliage is evergreen in milder climates, providing year-round interest and a beautiful contrast to the vibrant flowers.
Growth Habit:
- 'Firewitch' typically grows 6-8 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches wide. It has a compact, mounding habit and forms a dense mat over time.
Growing Conditions:
- Sunlight: This Dianthus thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom its best. It can tolerate light shade, especially in hot climates.
- Soil: 'Firewitch' prefers well-drained soil and is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or rocky soils. It tolerates neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH.
- Moisture: While it prefers moderate moisture, 'Firewitch' is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
- Hardiness: It is hardy in USDA Zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Special Features:
- Vibrant Flowers: The intense magenta-pink flowers of 'Firewitch' create a dazzling display in the garden.
- Fragrant Flowers: The spicy fragrance of the flowers adds another sensory dimension to the garden.
- Evergreen Foliage: In milder climates, the foliage remains evergreen, providing year-round interest.
- Heat and Humidity Tolerance: 'Firewitch' is known for its tolerance of heat and humidity, making it a good choice for Southern gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, 'Firewitch' is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring minimal care.
- Deer Resistant: Deer tend to avoid this plant, making it a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
Uses in the Garden:
- Rock Gardens: 'Firewitch' is a perfect fit for rock gardens, where it can spill over rocks and add a splash of vibrant color.
- Borders: It can be used to edge borders or pathways, creating a fragrant and colorful border.
- Containers: 'Firewitch' can also be grown in containers, allowing you to enjoy its beauty and fragrance on patios or balconies.
- Groundcover: When planted in mass, it can form an attractive groundcover.
- Cut Flowers: The fragrant flowers can be used in cut flower arrangements.
Tips for Growing Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch':
- Planting: Plant in spring or fall in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Space the plants about 12 inches apart.
- Watering: Water regularly during the first year to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once established, it is relatively drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during dry spells.
- Fertilizing: 'Firewitch' does not require heavy fertilization. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient.
- Deadheading: Deadheading spent flowers can help to prolong the bloom season and encourage repeat blooming.
- Dividing: Divide clumps every 3-4 years in spring or fall to rejuvenate plants and maintain their vigor.
Overall, Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch' is a captivating perennial that adds a vibrant splash of color and fragrance to the garden. Its heat and humidity tolerance, low maintenance requirements, and deer resistance make it a popular choice for gardeners in a variety of climates.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
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Product Reviews
4 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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'Firewitch' Dianthus
My plants arrived fresh and healthy and took quickly after being planted They still have blooms, even though it's the end of July!
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Dianthus firewitch
Plants were healthy and well packed. Pots had a good sized plant. Recommend these to anyone interested in this species.
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Excellent
Fresh plants, in exceptional protective packaging
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beautiful healthy plants
I bought 60 (3.5pot) dianthus and it came carefully wrap in newspaper in a wax cardboard box. It was healthy, green, and beautiful. It looks healthier then the plants I drive to buy at the garden center which is a huge plus, no work for me to carry it home. I would likely buy again if I need more plants in the future. Great job guys!
