Firewitch, a Fragrant Dianthus Plant

What is Firewitch Dianthus?

Named the perennial plant of the year in 2006, Firewitch dianthus was actually created by a German horticulturist in 1957, where it was named Feuerhexe. In 1987, United States horticulturists began to propagate and grow Firewitch flowers and they have been a much-loved border plant for zones 3-9 ever since.

Blooming in May and June, their deep pink or magenta flowers are a beatific contrast against the blue-green, silvery grass-like foliage. The flowers are fragrant, smelling lightly like cloves. These fragrant flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Firewitch flowers hold up against heat and humidity more than most dianthus flowers.

Care

Because Firewitch dianthus grows only about 6-8 inches high and 12 inches wide, it’s excellent to use in borders, rock gardens, on slopes or even tucked into crevices of rock walls.

Firewitch flowers are in the dianthus family, sometimes called cheddar pinks or border pinks. Firewitch dianthus plants grow best in full sun but can tolerate light shade.

Give them well-drained, slightly sandy soil to avoid crown rot. Once established, the plants are drought tolerant. Firewitch plants are also deemed deer resistant.

They prefer normal to light waterings. When watering, do not wet the foliage or crowns, as they may develop crown rot.

Cut back Firewitch plants after blooms fade to promote reblooming. You can simply cut the grass-like foliage back with grass shears.

Information courtesy of GardeningKnowHow.com