SCIENTIFIC NAME: Dianthus gratianopolitanus

COMMON NAME: cheddar pinks

FAMILY: Caryophyllaceae

TYPE: perennial, evergreen

LEAVES: gray-green, entire, narrow, linear, 1" to 4" long, less than 1/8" wide

FLOWER: 1" to 2" diameter, most deeply fringed, 2" across, single or double; solid or bicolor; white, pink, red

SEASON OF BLOOM: spring to late summer

GROWTH HABIT: 9-18", dense mat-like mound

SOIL: well drained alkaline soil is ideal

SUN: full sun to part shade

HARDINESS: zones 3-9

UTILIZATION: perennial border or rock garden, edging, ground cover

DISEASES: none serious

INSECTS AND RELATED PESTS: none serious

PROPAGATION: cuttings, division in the spring every few years

MAINTENANCE: deadhead to prolong flowering into summer; prune after flowering to maintain shape

CULTIVARS: 'Bath's Pink' is an excellent performer

NOTES: Native to the Cheddar gorges in England (where the cheese comes from)