Cheddar pink and Cottage pink are often considered for the same spot in the garden (ground cover, flowers, pollinator friendly, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Dianthus gratianopolitanus 20 cm × 45 cm after 10 years
It forms a dense, blue-grey, grassy cushion with clove-scented, mostly pink flowers above it in late spring. It belongs in rock gardens, on walls,…
Dianthus plumarius 30 cm × 50 cm after 10 years
An old cottage garden favourite: its grey, grassy leaves form a dense cushion all year, and in early summer it is covered in fringed, clove-scented…
Cottage pink grows larger: 30 cm × 50 cm after ten years, against 20 cm × 45 cm for Cheddar pink.
Cottage pink is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -34 °C for Cheddar pink.
Cheddar pink tolerates drought better than Cottage pink.
Cheddar pink needs less water than Cottage pink.
Cheddar pink needs less care than Cottage pink.
|
Feature
|
Cheddar pink
|
Cottage pink
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Ground cover | Perennial |
| Size after 10 years | 20 cm × 45 cm | 30 cm × 50 cm |
| Ultimate size | 15–30 cm × 30–60 cm | 15–60 cm × 30–60 cm |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun | Full sun |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous | Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flowering | May–June, pink, red, white | May–August, pink, white, red |
| Water need | Low | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | High | Medium |
| Maintenance | Low | Medium |
| Planting distance | 30 cm | 30 cm |
| For dogs | Mildly toxic | Mildly toxic |
| For cats | Mildly toxic | Mildly toxic |
| For children | Mildly toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| Typical price | approx. €5 | approx. €5 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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