History

The genus Dianthus is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family with species found native to the Mediterranean, Balkan Peninsula, and Asia Minor regions. 

  Photo:  Harlan Hamemik

 The genus contains annual, biennial, and perennial species and includes plants with the common names of carnations, sweet Williams, and pinks.  The 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, on 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 American 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 small crevices or as a ground cover on a sunny slope.  It is a 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 the 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 are 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 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. 

  Photo:  Steven Still