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Dianthus gratianopolitanus (Cheddar Pink): Fragrant Mats for Rock Gardens

Cheddar pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) forms broad, low mats (6–12 in. tall, 1–3 ft. wide) of blue-gray linear leaves with solitary, toothed, deliciously fragrant purplish-pink flowers. Long-lasting blooms on low mats; perfect for rock gardens. Avoid organic mulch; use stone/gravel.

Culture & Care

Soil: Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline; full sun.
Water: No standing water.
Propagation: Seed in cold frame fall; summer cuttings.

Potential Problems

Crown rot, slugs, sow bugs, grasshoppers, chipmunks, squirrels, deer.

Quick Reference

Height	6–12 in.
Spread	1–3 ft.
Growth Habit	Spreading, Moderate Grower
Light	Full Sun
Moisture	Dry to Medium
Maintenance	Moderate
Features	Attracts Butterflies, Fragrant Flowers, Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage
Bloom Time	Early Summer to Late Summer
Flower Color	Pink, Purple
Uses	Ground Cover
Style	Rock Garden
Type	Perennial

Other: Chicago Hydrangea Bloom Failure: Frost and Variety Solution; Sunset Hyssop (Agastache rupestris): Western Native with Sunset-Colored Flowers for Dry Gardens; Mimosa / Silk Tree (Albizia julibrissin): Fast-Growing, Ferny-Leaved Tree with Pink Powder Puff Flowers; Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Edible, Pom-Pom Flowers for Herb and Cottage Gardens; Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus): Classic Upright Spikes in Warm Colors; Dianthus 'Neon Star': Fluorescent Pink Flowers on Silvery-Blue Foliage; Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William): Classic Biennial for Cottage Gardens; Dianthus barbatus 'Summer Sundae': First-Year Flowering Biennial Mix; Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Firewitch': Magenta Blooms on Silver-Blue Mats; Dianthus × allwoodii (Allwood Hybrids): Long-Blooming Salmon Pinks

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