Jan 27, 2006

PPA Names 2006 Plant of the YearSource: PPA

The Perennial Plant Association (PPA) has named Dianthus gratianopolitanus ‘Feuerhexe’ (Firewitch) the 2006 Perennial Plant of the Year.

Cheddar pink is the common name of this sun exposure perennial. It is an evergreen selection with bluish-gray, slivery foliage and purplish-pink, fragrant flowers in mid-spring. Rebloom can occur in the summer and into the fall. Firewitch is hardy from Zones 3-9. Mature mats of this cheddar pink have foliage 3-4 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide. The flowers reach 6-8 inches high. This evergreen perennial performs best in full sun in well-drained soils.

“The Perennial Plant of the Year Program helps consumers select plants that perennial industry experts find to be outstanding and easily grown,” said Steven Still, executive director of the PPA. “The homeowners can have great confidence that the Perennial Plant of the Year will grow well in the garden.”

The Perennial Plant of the Year Program was initiated in 1990. Each year, members of the PPA select a perennial that is suitable for a wide range of climate types, low maintenance, easily propagated and exhibits multi-seasonal interest.

For more information on the PPA visit www.perennialplant.org. Specific culture information for Firewitch can be found at www.gpnmag.com by searching the article archive for Firewitch.