Perennial of the year 2006

The Perennial Plant Association is a North American group of growers and garden designers.  Every year, they select an outstanding plant as Perennial of the Year. 

This year's choice is Dianthus gratianopolitanus  ‘Feuerhexe’ (Firewitch) – one of the Cheddar Pinks from  the Caryophyllaceae family. Dianthus are a large group of plants –mostly sun loving,  usually low growing, evergreen and long bloomers, too.  Dianthus like well drained soil, with pH being on the basic to alkaline side. Avoid mulching with thick layers of organic matter, especially in winter.

‘Firewitch’ in particular does well as a ground cover, rock garden plant or an edger plant and enjoys full sun, but tolerates light shade.  It offers deep blue-green foliage, and magenta blooms in mid-spring, with a spicy, clove-like fragrance. This plant grows only about 6 inches or 15cm tall.  Snip off the deadheads to encourage reblooming later in the summer. Hardy to zone 3;  a tough plant – you may want to ensure that ‘Firewitch’ gets good snow cover as it’s evergreen.  Try some in your garden!