2006 Perennial of the Year

Posted by Barbara M. Martin Apr 9, 2006

Every year the Perennial Plant Association names a perennial of the year. The plants usually perform well over most of the country and look terrific, too. This year's plant is a cheddar pink bred in Germany, Dianthus gratianopolitanus "Feuerhexe" or "Firewitch." I expect it will probably become more commonly known as Dianthus "Firewitch" in nurseries and catalogs.

It is a real eye catcher in and out of bloom. Foliage is short, about 4 inches high in an icy, silvery blue color; the flowers are fragrant and shockingly red violet (or intense magenta depending on how you care to describe it) and they will repeat if conditions are good.

I love bright colors but think this one is so strikingly bright both in and out of bloom that it may be overwhelming in some settings, otherwise the plant is a useful size and height and temperament for many uses -- front of the mixed border, low edger, cottage gardens, dry sites, maybe even among stepping stones for an infrequently used path.

As with any dianthus, skip the mulch, give it full sun, neutral to slightly alkaline pH, good air circulation and excellent drainage for best results. And unlike so many dianthus, this one is similar to "Bath's Pink" in that it apparently does well in humid as well as dry air climates. Don't bother to try it in either shade or in a damp location. It is rated winter hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9.

For a full color photo and more detailed information, see the Perennial Plant Association publicity blurb.