Plant
Cheddar Pink
Dianthus gratianopolitanusAlso known as Cheddar Pink Carnation
Cheddar pink forms tight cushions of narrow, blue-grey evergreen foliage that thrives on exposed limestone. During early summer, short upright stems bear intensely fragrant rose-pink blossoms with distinctly fringed petal edges and a rich clove aroma. Native to European limestone cliffs, it fills rocky crevices and gravelly soils where well-drained conditions protect its roots from winter wet.
FragrantPerennialAlpine
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPhotosynthetic
Predators
- Slugs
- Snails
- Rabbits
ThreatsHabitat loss, quarrying, vegetation encroachment
HabitatsLimestone cliffs, rocky grasslands, scree slopes
Life span5–10+ years
Classification
- OrderCaryophyllales
- FamilyCaryophyllaceae
- GenusDianthus
- SpeciesDianthus gratianopolitanus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
- What to notice
- Look for dense cushions of blue-grey foliage bearing single, fringed rose-pink blooms.
- Support conservation
- Stay on marked paths in wild cliff habitats and never pick wild plants or disturb rock faces.
Responsible observation
- Sunlight: Place in full direct sun to encourage abundant blooms and compact growth.
- Soil Care: Ensure gritty, free-draining soil to avoid root and crown rot.
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to prolong the flowering season through early summer.
Close Relative (c) Bernd Haynold, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Mark Apgar, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Cultivated Relative (c) Jason Grant, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jason Grant · cc-by
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