Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’ (Firewitch),
also called Cheddar Pinks.
2006 Perennial Plant of the Year. Well-known and loved for its
shocking magenta pink, upward-facing flowers, this award is well-deserved.
Native to Cheddar Gorge, England, 'Firewitch' exudes the spicy scent of cloves.
The flowers appear in masses above the silvery-blue mats of evergreen foliage in
early summer. If cut back, they often rebloom in early fall.
Hardiness: Grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9
Light: Full sun
Soil: Grows best in well-drained soils
Uses: The cheddar pink is excellent as a border edger, as a rock garden
plant, planted in wall crevices, or as a ground cover on a sunny slope. It is at
home in the herb garden, a
formal border or a cottage garden.
Planting Information
Place Dianthus in full sun locations or in extremely hot climates in
well-drained, neutral
alkaline soil. Do not mulch with deep layers matter. After flowering in late
spring, cut back to promote rebloom later. The enticing clove-like scent
of this ornamental makes it the perfect choice for near the walkway as passersby
brush the fragrant blossoms and release lingering aroma.
The Perennial Plant Association (www.perennialplant.org) has named Dianthus
gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’ (also known as Firewitch) 2006 Perennial Plant of
the Year™. Cheddar pink is the common name of this excellent sun exposure
perennial. It is an evergreen selection with bluish-gray, silvery foliage and
purplish-pink fragrant flowers in mid-spring. Rebloom can occur in the summer
and into the fall. This cheddar pink is hardy from zones 3 to 9. Mature mats of
this cheddar pink have foliage 3 to 4 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide.
Flowers will reach 6 to 8 inches high. This evergreen perennial performs best in
full sun in well-drained soils.
History
The genus Dianthus is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family with species found
native to the Mediterranean, Balkan Peninsula, and Asia Minor regions. The genus
contains annual, biennial, and perennial species and includes plants with the
common names of carnations, sweet Williams, and pinks. The name Dianthus
originates from the Greek dios and anthos,
the divine flower, which refers to the flower of a god, an indication of the
esteem in which the flower has always been held. The common name
associated with Dianthus gratianopolitanus is cheddar pink. The origin of the
term “pink” or “pinks” is likely from the Dutch Pinkster or the German Pfingsten
for Pentecost, the time during which the plants bloom. Cheddar pinks are
named for Cheddar Gorge in southwest England, one of the locations where it
grows wild. The Kayser & Seibert Nursery of Germany introduced Dianthus
gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’ in 1957. It was largely unknown in North America
until a Connecticut nurseryman discovered it in 1987. Pierre Bennerup of Sunny
Border Nurseries, Inc. found two small plants of ‘Feuerhexe’ in the Van Delft
garden center in Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands while traveling with a small
group of perennial growers from the United States. He was impressed with the
plants because they were in full bloom, well beyond the normal flowering season.
Pierre purchased these two plants and started producing new plants from top
cuttings. Plants were shared with other growers and the rest is history as
thousands of ‘Feuerhexe’ have been sold since this Dianthus was introduced into
North America.
Ornamental Qualities
Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’ (Firewitch) is a low growing, mat-forming
alpine plant with narrow bluish-gray foliage that remains evergreen. Brilliant
purplish-pink flowers cover the plant at bloom time. The flower color has also
been variously described as hot pink or purple red or magenta. The color
combination of the foliage and flowers is striking at peak bloom in mid-spring.
And if that weren’t enough, the air becomes perfumed from the scented flowers
which have a spicy and clove-like fragrance. Peak bloom is mid- to late spring
with rebloom occurring in the summer and fall especially when the spent flowers
are removed. The foliage height is 3 to 4 inches with flower stems reaching to 8
inches. This favorite Cheddar pink is hardy from USDA zones of 3 to 9.
Landscape Use
The landscape possibilities for this cheddar pink are vast. It is excellent as a
border edger, as a rock garden plant, planted in wall crevices, or as a ground
cover on a sunny slope. It is at home in the herb garden, a formal border or a
cottage garden. Plant combinations that work with this Dianthus include
Siberian iris (Iris sibirica) in the spring, later on with threadleaf
coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata ‘Moonbeam’ or ‘Zagreb’) and in the fall match
Firewitch with plumbago (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides). The striking gentian blue
flowers of plumbago compliment the color of the Dianthus foliage. And the bronze
fall color of plumbago and the silvery foliage of Dianthus is sensational. A
cottage garden look can be created with
a combination of ‘Feuerhexe’ and catmint either Nepeta x faassenii ‘Walker’s
Low’ or ‘Blue Wonder’. The fragrant garden or the well-traveled walkway is
another choice for this perennial with the clove-spiced fragrance.
Cultivation
Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’ (Firewitch) is easily grown if a few
cultural tips are followed. Dianthus selections should be sited in full sun
locations or in light shade in extremely hot climates. The soil should be
well-drained and neutral to slightly alkaline. Plants placed in poorly drained
soils will eventually deteriorate. In moderate to high rainfall areas, one
should mulch with pea stone or gravel to keep foliage clean and dry. Do not
mulch with deep layers of
organic matter, especially in winter. After flowering in late spring, the spent
flowers should be cut back which will promote rebloom later in the season.
Eliminating plant stress created by improper cultural techniques can prevent
potential disease problems, such as rust, leaf
spot, root rot, and Fusarium wilt.
Propagation
Dianthus gratianopolitanus cultivars are propagated by tip and heel cuttings or
division before or immediately after flowering. Dianthus species are propagated
from seed in late winter to early spring. Home gardeners can also propagate
selected cheddar pinks by layering.
Purchase
Area Master Gardener Association
