Voted the 2006 Perennial
Plant of the Year by the Perennial Plant Association,
Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Firewitch’, commonly
known as Cheddar Pinks, is an excellent selection for
any perennial garden. This is an honor long overdue! Cheddar
Pinks are named for Cheddar Gorge in southwest England
where the plant grows wild. ‘Firewitch’ forms
a low-growing, spreading mat 6 – 8 inches high and
up to 24 inches wide. The foliage is evergreen, narrow,
linear and steely-blue in color. The blossoms are borne
singly in profusion atop the delicate foliage and last
for several weeks. The flower color is described as purplish-pink
and the contrast with the foliage is outstanding! All
dianthus are part of the carnation family, which gives
this plant its dreamy clove-like spicy fragrance.
Cheddar Pinks are easy
to grow. They should be planted in well-drained soil with
a neutral pH, and in full sun. Dianthus gratianopolitanus
gives a striking performance in mid-Spring. If sheared
after flowers have faded, the plant will rebloom in the
summer. If the plant is once again dead-headed, it will
provide yet another flush of color again in the Fall.
Dianthus ‘Firewitch’ is
huge on color but small in stature, which makes it a great
choice for the front of the perennial border. It may be
used as an edging plant or a ground cover in a cottage,
rock or herb garden. Try planting it between the stones
of a sunny rock wall for a spectacular and fragrant show.
When planting ‘Firewitch’, select plant combinations
that will highlight its magnificent flower and foliage
color. Some excellent companion plants are: Salvia ‘May
Night’, Coreopsis ‘Moonbeam’, Iris siberica
‘Ceasar’s Brother’, Veronica spicata
‘Red Fox’ or ‘Goodness Grows’
and Nepeta ‘Blue Wonder’.
