Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Firewitch’ was named Plant of the Year 2006 by the Perennial Plant Association. The spicy clove-scented flowers (the pleasant aroma of carnations) of this Cheddar Pinks species, native to Cheddar Gorge, England, face upward for maximum color impact. This German cultivar has one of the bluest foliage, is heat and soil hardy, and has one of the longest flowering times among the many Dianthus varieties.
This plant looks a lot like Dianthus ‘Bath’s Pink,’ but the cultivar ‘Firewitch’ (‘Feuerhexe’) has single, stunning magenta-pink flowers with practically fringed edges. Butterflies love them, and they make great cut and dried flowers. The plants bloom profusely from late spring to early summer, then irregularly throughout the summer, and frequently rebloom in early fall, especially if deadheaded regularly.
The silvery blue foliage contrasts well with the profusion of flowers. The dense mats of linear, needle-like, evergreen foliage reach a height of 4-6″ (the flowers reach a height of 7-8″) and a circumference of 18-24″. Once established, deer do not like this dianthus. It can be grown in zones 3 through 8.
‘Firewitch’ is a wonderful plant for the front of the flower border or as edging because of its modest stature. It’s a great plant for a raised bed or a rock garden because it can spill over the sides. Its ability to spread makes it an excellent groundcover, especially on dry slopes. When not in bloom, many plants can be grouped together to form a “pool” of deep blue foliage. By cutting the foliage in the very early spring or after the first flush of bloom, individual plants can be maintained smaller. This plant does nicely in containers as well.
Dianthus thrives in full sun and loose, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils. It can withstand light shade, especially in the afternoon. Short dry spells are tolerated by ‘Firewitch,’ but prolonged drought necessitates regular watering. When grown in hot, dry conditions, fewer flowers will be produced. Don’t fertilize too much because this encourages luxuriant growth, which might lead to gaps in the plants.
Plant in a mix with excellent drainage and position in full sun or mild shade if growing in a container. When the medium is dry, water it thoroughly but do not leave it wet.
Dianthus can be propagated by division in the early spring, as new growth emerges. Because it is a short-lived perennial, it is advisable to do this every few years.
Can Firewitch dianthus be divided?
Perennial dianthus cultivars such as ‘Firewitch,’ according to the University of Vermont Extension, should be divided every three to five years to preserve the plants vigorous and healthy; otherwise, they will be short lived and may not bloom as enthusiastically. Because the plant will be actively developing but not yet blooming, early spring is the perfect time to propagate perennials like dianthus. Before digging up the plants to divide them, wait until new growth appears at the tips of the leaf. The optimal time to make and transplant divisions is in the morning, when the plant is most hydrated and less prone to root injury.
How do you spread dianthus?
Sweet William is a traditional cottage border flower. The flowers are carried above the foliage in clusters of red, pink, white, purple, or bicolored flowers that grow to about 18 inches tall. As cut flowers, they have a lovely aroma and a lengthy vase life. Individual plants are erect and do not spread, but if the blossoms are not cut and the seeds are allowed to develop, they will spread by self-seeding.
Is Firewitch dianthus a perennial?
With highly fragrant rose-pink flowers and gorgeous gray-blue evergreen foliage, Dianthus Firewitch is a wonderful Garden Pink. The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) had its annual meeting in 2005. Perennial plant that is drought resistant or tolerant (xeric).
Will dianthus come back every year?
These plants are perennials with a short life span, although they are commonly planted as annuals in Missouri and other colder climates. Annuals have a single growing season. Many Dianthus types, on the other hand, self-seed every year. That is to say, they re-grow each spring.
Can you cut back dianthus in spring?
Dianthus Pruning During the summer growing season, any excessive or leggy stems growing from the plant can be trimmed back. To induce branching at that point in the stem, cut the leggy branches around the leaf buds.
Does dianthus multiply?
Special scissors with saw-toothed blades are employed because woven material frays when cut. Fraying is prevented by the zig-zag cut, which limits the length of each thread.
These “pinking scissors” are called after the pink plant of the Dianthus genus, not the color pink. The Dianthus petals’ ragged edges appear to have been trimmed with pinking shears.
The delicate red color known as pink may have come from one of the most familiar colors of garden pinks, just as lilac became synonymous with a light purple color despite the fact that lilacs exist in a variety of colors such as white or deep red.
Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) and Sweet William are examples of annuals, biennials, and perennials of the Dianthus genus (Dianthus barbatus). The majority of carnations are small, usually just 10 to 20 inches tall, while some can grow to be three feet tall.
Pinks (Dianthus plumarius) are easy to grow and resistant to deer. The fragrant blossoms are available in a variety of colors and make great cut flowers. Start Pinks (Dianthus) seeds inside six to eight weeks before your last frost date for the earliest flowering. They normally blossom the first year after being started inside.
Once the earth has warmed up and all danger of frost has passed, you can put Pinks seeds straight in the garden. Pinks will most likely not flower till the following year if planted immediately in the garden. In full daylight, sow the seeds one-eighth-inch deep in light, well-drained soil. They thrive in rich, slightly alkaline soil with a pH of 6.75. Add crushed dolomitic limestone to your soil if the pH is below 7.0. Add wood ashes to your soil to lower the pH if it’s too acidic.
Pinks can also be propagated by taking cuttings or dividing existing clumps.
Softwood tip cuttings should be taken in the spring or early summer. Plant the cuttings in flats or pots after coating them with rooting hormone. Keep your seedlings damp but not waterlogged, and by fall, they should be fully rooted and hardy enough to plant in the garden.
Pink clumps that are older can be separated and replanted. Dividing old clumps rejuvenates the plants already present. It’s simple to divide them in the early spring, when they’re just starting to sprout. Simply dig up the entire clump, roots and all, and pull it apart gently with your hands. If the clumps are too large or strong, cut into the heart of the clump using two gardening forks, then slowly peel the plant apart. Each piece should have roots and be able to be replanted right away. Dividing your Pinks every three to four years is a smart idea. Watering once a week is sufficient unless the soil is really dry.
Pinks have a crown of leaves at the top of the root structure, therefore never bury or mulch any portion of the stems or crown to prevent rot.
Remove all wilted flowers as they die to maintain blooms coming throughout the season. You can allow some of the flowers go to seed to maximize next year’s blooms because pinks commonly reseed themselves.
Cut the plants back to just an inch or two above the soil line after the first killing frost in the autumn. Pinks work nicely in pots, as well as in the front of mixed borders, as a cutting garden, and in cottage gardens.
Steep the nutmeg-scented blooms in wine, then coat them in sugar to use as cake decorations or toss them in salads. Pinks are one of the hidden ingredients of Chartreuse, a French liqueur.
Pink is a flower, a hue, and a mood, so much so that a band called Tea Set went on to sell over 250 million records and influence David Bowie, Queen, Phish, Radiohead, and Yes, but only after changing their name.
Pink Floyd was formed by combining the names of blues performers Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Gardeners who enjoy music were ecstatic about this.
Is dianthus annual or perennial?
Dianthus are plants with feathery silver-green or blue-gray leaves that form a tight mound or mat and can be perennial, annual, or biennial. Dianthus flowers range in height from two inches to two feet above the foliage, leaning a bit lazily toward the light. The blossoms are normally only about an inch across and have a ruffled edge that appears like it was trimmed with pinking shears, yet vigorous plants produce dozens of stunning flowers at once. Snow white, blush pink, brilliant magenta, or bicolored dianthus blooms with a flamboyant contrasting center or picotee edge are all possibilities. The delicate blue of ‘Diana’s Blueberry Hybrid’ is beautiful.
How do you multiply dianthus?
Dianthus is one of the easiest plants to grow. Between June and September, cuttings will root quickly and produce vigorous plants the following year. To take pipings, firmly grasp a non-flowering shoot just below a leaf node in one hand and pull the rest of the stem sharply with the other. You now have a cutting by removing the lowest leaves. Mark Trenear taught me that soaking the pipes in water overnight results in good cuts. Place them in a clippings compost and wrap them around the pot’s edge. Loam-based composts are more dependable for me than coir or peat-based composts. Keep in a dark spot outside, in a cold frame or a cool greenhouse out of direct sunshine.
The pipings should be rooted after three or four weeks and can be repotted in 9cm pots of potting dirt and grown on till the following spring.