Product Description
Dianthus 'Firewitch' Ten (10) quarts
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 captivating low-growing perennial that is prized for its abundant, fragrant blooms and attractive, evergreen foliage. It is a fantastic choice for adding a pop of color to rock gardens, borders, and containers. Here is a closer look at what makes 'Firewitch' so enchanting:
Appearance:
- Flowers: 'Firewitch' produces a profusion of single, vibrant, purplish-pink flowers with a delicate, fringed edge. The flowers have a sweet, clove-like fragrance, reminiscent of carnations. They bloom heavily in mid to late spring, with sporadic rebloom throughout the summer and fall, especially if deadheaded regularly.
- Foliage: The plant forms a dense, mounding clump of blue-gray, silvery foliage. The leaves are linear and grass-like, creating a lovely textural contrast with the flowers. The foliage remains evergreen, providing year-round interest.
Growing Conditions:
- Light: Thrives in full sun. It prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day for optimal flowering.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained soil and is quite drought tolerant once established. It is adaptable to various soil types but performs best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions.
- Hardiness Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Uses:
- Rock Gardens: Its compact size and mounding habit make it a perfect fit for rock gardens, where it can spill over rocks and crevices.
- Borders and Edging: It is also excellent for edging walkways or borders, adding a touch of vibrant color.
- Containers: 'Firewitch' works well in containers, where its colorful flowers and evergreen foliage can be displayed beautifully.
- Groundcover: It can even be used as a groundcover in small areas, forming a dense mat that helps to suppress weeds.
Additional Benefits:
- Long Blooming Season: 'Firewitch' has a long blooming season, with its main flush of flowers in late spring and sporadic blooms throughout the summer and fall.
- Fragrant Flowers: The sweet, clove-like fragrance of the flowers adds another dimension to its appeal.
- Evergreen Foliage: The blue-gray foliage remains attractive year-round.
- Low Maintenance: It is a relatively low-maintenance plant that does not require much care once established.
- Deer Resistant: The foliage is generally unappealing to deer.
Overall, Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch' is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for a long-blooming, low-maintenance perennial with vibrant, fragrant flowers and attractive evergreen foliage. Its compact size and adaptability make it a versatile addition to any sunny garden.
Ten (10) plants in quart containers per flat (or tray).
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!
