Cheddar Pink
Dianthus gratianopolitanus

Family: Caryophyllaceae

What it is like

Dianthus gratianopolitanus is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Carboniferous limestone cliffs. In Britain this species is only found in Cheddar Gorge.

Western and central Europe from Britain and France to Moravia and Hungary.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Can be used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position. Plants should be placed about 25cm apart each way and form a slowly spreading carpet of growth.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

Ground cover: Ground Cover

Scented Plants: Plants noted for their scent

How it is grown

Prefers a dry calcareous soil and a sunny position. Dislikes shade. Plants succeed when grown on the top of a broad or retaining wall. Plants grow well in a maritime environment, though they dislike damp conditions. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. A very ornamental plant. The flowers are strongly clove-scented and are very attractive to butterflies and moths. The double-flowered form, 'Flore Plena' has an even stronger scent.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings in July/August in a cold frame. Very high percentage. Division in March. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Best place to grow: Ground Cover; East Wall. In. South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

D. caesius. D. caespitosus. D. glaucus. non L.