Go Back Firewitch Dianthus

Posted: May 7, 2019 at 4:01 PM
Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Feuerhexe''
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    Plant Type: Perennials

    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.

    This German cultivar is small in size, but delivers a generous amount of blooms. Forms a short, tight mound of blue, grass-like foliage. The flowers are a deep raspberry red and have that classic carnation fragrance. Blooms heavily in early summer, and if kept deadheaded will bloom for much of the summer. Highly tolerant of heat, this plant thrives in well-drained soils. Best in full sun. Great for rock gardens. Perennial Plant of the year 2006.

    Currently not available for online purchase.

    Growing & Maintenance Tips:

    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.

    Flower Color

    Magenta-pink

    Foliage Color

    Silvery-blue

    Plant Spread

    8-10'

    Good Companions

    Bellflower-Carpathian (Campanula carpatica), Coral Bells (Heuchera ), Geranium-Hardy (Geranium ), Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina), Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa columbaria), Speedwell-Creeping (Veronica prostrata), Tickseed (Coreopsis grandiflora), Violet (Viola )

    Plant Height

    6-8"

    Scape Height

    —

    Hardness Zone

    3-8

    Soil Moisture

    Low to average water needs

    Characteristics & Attributes

    Attributes

    Fragrant flowers or foliage, Border, Dried Flower, Mass Plant, Container, Evergreen, Drought tolerant, Salt tolerant, Cut flower or foliage

    Bloom Time

    Early summer/Early fall

    Critter Resistance

    Deer resistant

    Exposure

    Full sun to part shade

    Growth Rate

    Medium

    Seasonal Interests

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