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.
Should I cut back dianthus?
Dianthus plants (Dianthus spp.) produce consistent flowers in the summer and can be found growing in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, depending on the cultivar. The flowers, often known as carnations or pinks, are available in over 300 various colors, sizes, and shapes. Trimming the plants properly encourages reblooming and keeps the foliage and stems in good shape and health. Dianthus plants can take a lot of pruning and respond by producing more flowers and lusher foliage.
How long do Firewitch dianthus live?
The firewitch dianthus, sometimes known as a cheddar pink, grows to be about 3 to 6 inches tall with grassy, blue-green leaves and short, stiff flower stems. The plant grows into a spherical mound that covers roughly a square foot of ground. Its blossoms are a rich magenta color with a single row of flat petals bordered with sharp scallops and a clove-like smell. Firewitch dianthus blooms from mid-spring to mid-summer, with flowers lasting three to four weeks and dried seed capsules appearing in early to mid-summer.
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 rebloom if cut back?
To rebloom, the dianthus frequently sold as a cool-season annual (D. chinensis) does not need to be deadheaded or trimmed back. Allow some blooms to go to seed, especially with short-lived perennials or biennials like maiden pinks or sweet William, to encourage new, volunteer plants to take their place.
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.
Can you divide Firewitch dianthus?
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 winterize Firewitch dianthus?
Once grown, drought tolerant, but should be watered regularly during periods of hot, dry weather. Fertilizing: There’s no need to do anything extra; a single application of garden fertilizer in the early spring will suffice. To avoid decay or damage throughout the winter, remove all dead and fallen plant matter.
How do you prepare Firewitch dianthus for winter?
Pruning dianthus ‘Firewitch’ plants in late summer and autumn will encourage a second wave of blooming. It will also aid in maintaining the plant’s appearance during the hot summer months. Deadheading individual flowers on a prolific bloomer like dianthus is time-consuming and tiresome, so wait until the initial big flush of blooming is through before pruning. Using sharp pruning shears, cut the entire plant in two. Removing the flower heads will also prevent the dianthus ‘Firewitch’ from developing seeds, allowing the plant’s energy to be directed toward root production.
Do you deadhead Firewitch dianthus?
Dianthus gratianopolitanus, sometimes known as cheddar pinks, is one of the most widely produced and marketed dianthus species, and is ideally suited for landscapes throughout much of the United States. ‘Firewitch’ is a popular perennial that is extensively used in American gardens because to its attractive qualities and garden performance. The Perennial Plant Association named Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Firewitch’ the 2006 Plant of the Year due to its widespread popularity and other excellent characteristics.
The flowers of ‘Firewitch’ are solid brilliant magenta-pink with serrated edges. Above blue-green leaves, the 1-inch flowers are held. The plants grow in small, compact mounds that are about 7 inches tall by 12 inches broad and are evergreen all year.
‘Firewitch’ thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 9 and AHS Heat Zones 8 through 1. Although it likes full sun, it may be be cultivated in partial sunlight. Dianthus gratianopolitanus blooms profusely in early summer and irregularly during the rest of the season. To encourage a new flush of flowers, deadheading, or removing wasted blossoms, is highly recommended.