Dianthus gratianopolitanus aka Cheddar Pink

Dianthus gratianopolitanus is known as Cheddar pink. It belongs to the pink family, Caryophyllaceae. This perennial comes from Europe and grows on limestone cliffs. Its British home is Cheddar Gorge in southwest England. The common name comes from that site. It forms low, dense mounds that spread into mats. These mats can cover small patches of open ground.

Garden plants reach about 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.3 metres] tall. They spread about 1–2 feet [0.3–0.61 metres] wide. RHS gives a broader height range, reaching 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. The evergreen leaves are narrow and look like grass. They range from blue-gray to gray-green and feel waxy. Leaves grow in opposite pairs and have smooth edges. Thin, wiry flower stems rise above the leaf mat.

Rose-pink flowers open mainly in May and June. Each flower measures about 0.07–0.08 feet [0.02–0.025 metres] across. The petals have fringed edges and a darker pink ring. The flowers have a strong scent that recalls cloves. Most blooms stand alone above the leaves. Removing old flowers can bring scattered blooms later in summer. The plant forms dark capsules in summer and fall. Its flowers draw bees, butterflies, and moths to the garden.

Grow Cheddar pink in full sun with good soil drainage. It can take light shade, including some afternoon shade. Neutral to slightly alkaline soil suits it best. It grows well in fertile, gritty loam or sandy soil. Keep moisture moderate, and water through long dry spells. Plants can cope with short droughts, heat, and humidity. Wet winter soil can kill them through crown rot. Sources give USDA ranges from 4–8 to 3–9. RHS rates its UK hardiness as H6. Use it in rock gardens, pots, and border edges. Its mats can trail over walls or raised beds. Deer and rabbits tend to leave it alone.

Care is light, though removing spent blooms takes time. A light trim after flowering can neaten the leaves. Poor drainage is the main threat to plant health. Slugs, aphids, thrips, and mites may also cause damage. Possible diseases include mildew, rust, wilt, blight, and leaf spots. No food or medicinal uses are known. Leaves can cause stomach upset or vomiting when eaten. Contact may cause mild, brief skin irritation. The plant can harm both people and pets.