Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch'

[ height 6 in., flower magenta in may to june, sun, spreader ]

PINKS Charming garden plants for edging borders and walks, or a ground cover for small areas. Adaptive to a wide range of soils as long as it drains well, preferring gritty, limy soils in the pH range of 7.0 - 8.0. Leaves are small or grassy, numerous and vary according to kind in shades of greens, silver and gray. Often fragrant, many cultivars are in circulation. 

Dianthus ‘Firewitch’ – An awarded cultivar, being the Perennial Plant Association perennial of the year for 2006.  Plants exhibit typical D. gratianopolitanus habit, forming compact bun shaped mounds of pointedly narrow, glaucus green foliage and sweetly fragrant flowers.  What sets D. ‘Firewitch’ apart are numerous magenta flowers, which form in mid to late May, increased cold hardiness and tolerance to heat.  Bloom can almost be extended until frost with a little diligent deadheading, and a light shearing in early spring or summer will keep the foliage tidy and fresh.