Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch'

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Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch'

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.

Cheddar Pinks are native to Cheddar Gorge, England, the same town which is famous for its cheddar cheese.

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

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Early Summer Early Fall

Attracts Wings:

Attracts Butterflies

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads Evergreen

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Patio Container Eclectic Rock Garden

Other Features:

Border Plant Container Cut Flower Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Easy To Grow Edging Fragrant Flowers Fragrant Foliage Mass Planting Salt Tolerant

Origin:

Not Native to North America

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.

Dianthus can be propagated by division every few years in early spring, just as the new growth begins to appear. This is recommended because Dianthus tends to be a short-lived perennial otherwise. It is also easily raised from seed, but named varieties will not come true like the plain species will.

Awards

Perennial Plant Association Plant of the Year -- 2006

Missouri Botanical Garden Plants of Merit

Fun Facts

What came first--the color or the flower? The color we call "pink" was actually named after "Pinks," the common name of Dianthus.

Did you know Dianthus flowers are edible? The individual petals have a sweet taste just like their perfumed scent.

Characteristics