Cheddar Pink
dianthus gratianopolitanus
Also known as: ["Cheddar Pink","Mountain Pink","Gratianopolitan Pink"]
Overview
A low-growing, evergreen perennial with fragrant, pink flowers and grass-like foliage, native to the Cheddar Gorge in England and other limestone regions.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","deer resistant","low maintenance","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Dianthus |
| Botanical Name: | Dianthus gratianopolitanus |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or sunny borders
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly gritty soil with added organic matter. A mix of loam, sand, and compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead spent flowers throughout the growing season. Prune lightly in early spring to remove dead or weak stems.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate. Avoid heavy pruning unless necessary to control size or shape.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates partial shade but blooms best in full sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight if moved from shade. Protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates to prevent scorching. Place in a location with unobstructed sunlight for optimal growth.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun
Rotate plants weekly for even light exposure; use reflective mulch to enhance light reflection; avoid placing near large shade-casting objects.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, slightly alkaline, sandy or loamy soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C). Tolerates cold but may struggle in extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost in winter; provide shade during heatwaves.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid lush foliage at the expense of flowers; stop fertilizing in late summer to prepare for dormancy; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division. Stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 3–4 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
- Transplant once rooted.
Best Time: Late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light. Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix, such as a mix of peat, perlite, and sand.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 3–6 weeks. Plants may take an additional season to establish fully.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems for cuttings; maintain high humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Pinch back growing tips and snip spent flowers just above a leaf junction or healthy bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; deadhead regularly; shape lightly as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring, just before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Young plants may need repotting annually.
Checklist
Choose a new pot with drainage holes; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots gently; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall. Ensure excess water drains away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once every 7–10 days during active growth, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil dryness.
Soil Improvement
Add sand or perlite to improve drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; use lime to raise pH if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis (yellowing leaves), wilting, bud drop, or stunted growth in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth but do not typically harm the plant. Prolonged freezing may damage tender growth.
Solution: Provide winter protection with a layer of mulch. Avoid planting in areas prone to frost pockets. Ensure good air circulation to prevent cold-induced fungal issues.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering. Heat stress may lead to premature dormancy.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates. Water deeply to cool roots. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in early spring; dilute liquid fertilizer if using; avoid over-fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Apply a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season, avoiding high-nitrogen formulas.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicDianthus gratianopolitanus is not considered toxic to cats. There are no documented adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicDianthus gratianopolitanus is not considered toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects from ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicDianthus gratianopolitanus is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should Dianthus gratianopolitanus be watered?
A: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. It is drought-tolerant once established.
Q: Does Cheddar Pink attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: Can Dianthus gratianopolitanus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it thrives in well-drained containers, especially in rock gardens or alpine troughs.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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