Cheddar pink Dianthus gratianopolitanus
Cheddar pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to Limestone rocks of western and central Europe; in Britain only at Cheddar Gorge, Somerset. It grows 10–20 cm (4–8 in) tall and 25–45 cm (10–18 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -32 °C (-26 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
Plan Cheddar pink in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Cheddar pink at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Mature height | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–45 cm (10–18 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -32 °C (-26 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: petals (garnish; clove-scented) |
| Native to | Limestone rocks of western and central Europe; in Britain only at Cheddar Gorge, Somerset |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Cheddar pink toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves
Pinks can cause mild stomach upset and skin irritation in pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cheddar pink
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Cheddar pink
- How far apart should I plant Cheddar pink?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–45 cm (10–18 in).
- Does Cheddar pink need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cheddar pink need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Cheddar pink?
- It tolerates about -32 °C (-26 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Cheddar pink flower?
- From about May for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Cheddar pink poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Pinks can cause mild stomach upset and skin irritation in pets.
- What grows well with Cheddar pink?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cheddar pink. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
Notes and assumptions
- A rock-garden plant: give it gritty, very free-draining soil, full light and a collar of gravel around the neck; winter wet kills it far more often than cold.
- Dense blue-grey cushions with fringed, sweetly clove-scented pink flowers in early summer. A rare wild plant in Britain, protected by law at Cheddar Gorge; ‘Firewitch’ is a popular garden form.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet William Dianthus barbatus
- Carnation Dianthus caryophyllus
- China pink Dianthus chinensis
- Snow-in-summer Cerastium tomentosum
- Moss campion Silene acaulis
- Soapwort (bouncing bet) Saponaria officinalis
- Rock soapwort Saponaria ocymoides
- Creeping baby’s breath Gypsophila repens