The Fire Pink flower, scientifically known as Silene Virginica, is a beautiful perennial with bright scarlet red flowers and thickly cut petals that tip inwards. This flower is a wildflower, commonly found in woodlands, and is naturally rich in sugary nectar. It bears blooms from early-midsummer to early-fall, drawing pollinators like the hummingbird. It thus brings beautiful pops of color to the landscape, without being too overpowering or overwhelming.
Family
Fire Pink is a part of the Plantaginaceae family, also known as the Plantain family. This family is home to some other common garden plants, such as snapdragons, foxglove, and various species of mullein.
Plant Type
Fire Pink is a type of perennial, meaning that the plant can re-bloom year after year. This is in contrast to annuals, which die after blooming once, and biennials, which bloom once and then re-bloom the following year.
Mature Size
Fire Pink grows anywhere from 8 to 10 inches tall, making it petite and easily manageable.
Sun Exposure
Fire Pink does its best when planted in full to partial sun. While it can tolerate light shade, it won’t be able to fully bloom and show its colors if not placed in full sun or at least partial sun.
Soil Type
Fire Pink prefers moist, well-drained soil, and should not be allowed to dry out.
Soil pH
Fire Pink requires a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
Bloom Time
The Fire Pink blooms, depending on your location, from early summer to midsummer. The blooms last until early fall, making the Fire Pink a great addition to the garden during this time of the year.
Flower Color
The Fire Pink has beautiful, bright scarlet red flowers with thickly tipped petals.
Hardiness Zones
Fire Pink is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 3-7.
Native Area
The Fire Pink is native to woods and moist meadows in the Eastern and Central United States and Southern Canada.
How to Plant
Planting the Fire Pink is surprisingly simple for such a beautiful flower. The flower should first be planted in full to partial sun, in moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Once you’ve selected the perfect location, dig the hole deep enough to accommodate the roots and loosen the soil around the hole. Place the plant in the hole and fill it up with some soil, but leave some room for water, at the top. Water the soil and pat it down lightly.
How to Plant and Grow
To ensure that the Fire Pink is properly planted and can go on to successfully bloom, take care to observe all the necessary prerequisites. Fire Pink requires sun, so make sure to plant it somewhere that it will receive full to partial sunlight. Temperatures below 40°F should be avoided, as anything below that can damage the plants. The soil should be moist, but well-drained, with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5. If these conditions are not available naturally, you can always amend the soil accordingly. In terms of fertilizer, it is best to use a water soluble fertilizer for the bloom season. A fertilizer high in phosphorus will help the flower to bloom and grow.
Meaning and Symbolism
Fire Pink stands for and symbolizes boldness and ambition, urging the individual to work hard to reach their goals and aspirations. The bright red color of the petals also represents courage and strength, in addition to admiration.
History, Mythology, and Religious Significance
Fire Pink has a long history of religious significance among spiritualists and tribals in North America and Europe. They believed that the flower holds some secret, magical powers and is a representation of their religious identity. Fire Pink is also said to bring luck, protection, and spiritual guidance in some Native American tribes. In Greek mythology, there is a story of a goddess whose magical powers reside in a Fire Pink flower.
Flower Varieties and Their Defining Characteristics
Fire Pink is available in over 200 varieties worldwide. The petals vary in shape, color, and size. The common name for Fire Pink is Catchfly, and Scarlet Lychnis. Some of the more popular varieties include Silene Virginica (the original variety), Pink Gaura (famous for its pink flowers), and Pallas’s Centaurea (with white-pink-yellow petals).
How to Pot and Repot
Fire Pink is often grown in containers and pots. When potting, it’s important to make sure that the pot is big enough for the roots to grow, with some room for water at the top. Make sure that the soil is well-drained, as Fire Pink often requires moist soil.You can also repot Fire Pink when the flowers or roots have outgrown their existing pots. Take out the Fire Pink and place it in a pot slightly bigger than your existing one. Then add fresh soil to the new pot, sprinkle some fertilizer and water, and place your Fire Pink back in.
How to Prune
Pruning Fire Pink is done just after flowering, typically in September. Use sharp scissors to snip off any dead blooms. Be careful to avoid pruning any harder-to-find healthy buds, as these will bloom the following year.
How to Propagate
You can propagate Fire Pink via stem cuttings or by dividing the roots. For stem cuttings, take a cutting that is three inches long and remove the lower leaves. Stick the cutting in a moist rooting mix. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a moist and humid environment, and place in indirect sunlight. When roots form, transplant the cutting into a pot with new soil. For root division, separate the roots and plant them individually in pots. Water these pots frequently to ensure the right moisture levels.
Common Pests and Diseases
Fire Pink is generally resistant to pests and diseases, however, it is susceptible to rust and powdery mildew in areas with heavy rainfall. Overly moist soils can facilitate the growth of fungi, so it is important to plant it in well-drained soil. Aphids and spider mites also attack Fire Pink’s leaves. The best way to avoid pest infestation is to keep an eye out for them and take care of any infected parts quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Pink
Q. How Should I Water Fire Pink?
A. Water Fire Pink regularly, making sure that the soil remains moist but not soggy.
Q. How Long Does Fire Pink Live?
A. Fire Pink is a short-lived perennial, lasting only 2-3 years.
Q. Does Fire Pink Attract Hummingbirds?
A. Yes, Fire Pink is a great hummingbird attractor due to its sweet nectar and bright red petals.
Fact Sheet
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 8-10 inches |
| Sun Exposure | Full to partial sun |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained |
| Soil pH | 6.0 to 7.5 |
| Bloom Time | Early-midsummer to early-fall |
| Flower Color | Scarlet red |
| Hardiness Zones | 3-7 |
| Native Area | Eastern and Central U.S. and Southern Canada |
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