Dianthus gratianopolitanus aka Cheddar Pink

Taxonomy

Dianthus gratianopolitanus, commonly known as the Cheddar pink or clove pink, is a versatile and attractive flowering perennial plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to western and central Europe, from the UK to Ukraine, and is protected in the UK under the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act. This herbaceous perennial is hardy in zones 4–8 and grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 foot. It forms a mat of narrow, glaucous leaves and blooms from May to June with solitary, fragrant flowers that are deep rose-pink with fringed petals. The specific epithet gratianopolitanus is derived from the ancient Roman name Gratianopolis, which refers to the modern French city Grenoble. The common name Cheddar pink comes from its native habitat in the Cheddar Gorge in England. Dianthus gratianopolitanus thrives in full sun and requires medium water levels, but overwatering or poor drainage can lead to crown rot. It does not tolerate wet winter soil conditions. This evergreen perennial can be used in flowering borders, rock gardens, or clumped groups in mixed beds. In colder climates, it can be grown as an annual plant. In warmer climates, it can be grown as a perennial in hardiness zones 10b-11. Overall, Dianthus gratianopolitanus is a beautiful and fragrant plant that adds color and charm to any garden.

Common names

Cheddar Pink, Bergnejlika (Swedish)

How to care for Cheddar Pink

Difficulty

Caring for Cheddar Pink is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Cheddar Pink should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Cheddar Pink loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Cheddar Pink requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Bergnejlika (Swedish) is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Cheddar Pink is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

No extra humidity is necessary for the Cheddar Pink. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Cheddar Pink is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Clumping is a defining characteristic of the Cheddar Pink, with new growth appearing from the soil surrounding the primary plant.

Region of origin

Cheddar Pink’s native range is Europe and Asia.


More info:
Wikipedia