How big does Cheddar pink grow?

About 20 cm × 45 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 15–30 cm × 30–60 cm.

What soil does Cheddar pink grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Cheddar pink hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

Is Cheddar pink toxic to dogs?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs.

Is Cheddar pink toxic to cats?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to cats.

When does Cheddar pink flower?

Flowering: May–June, pink, red, white.

How much water does Cheddar pink need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

How much does Cheddar pink cost?

It sells for roughly €3.90 to €5.90 in local shops, depending on size.

Cheddar pink

Dianthus gratianopolitanus

Cheddar pink (Dianthus gratianopolitanus) is a ground cover plant that reaches 20 cm × 45 cm after ten years. Light: full sun. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high. Mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Sold in local shops from about €3.90.

Illustration of Cheddar pink — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

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, at the edge of gravel beds and on sunny slopes, and copes with heat and dry spells better than most pinks. The one thing it will not take is wet, airless soil, where the crown rots, especially in winter.

Watch out for

It has no serious pests or diseases. The main danger is crown rot: in heavy, wet soil, especially in damp winters, it dies out quickly, so plant it in loose, gritty, preferably limy soil and do not overwater. The centre of an old cushion can go bare; shear it lightly after flowering or divide it.

Key facts

Light: Full sun
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 20 cm × 45 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–June, pink, red, white

Group	Ground cover
Light	Full sun
Size after 10 years	20 cm × 45 cm
Ultimate size	15–30 cm × 30–60 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Evergreen
Flowering	May–June, pink, red, white
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	30 cm
For dogs	Mildly toxic
For cats	Mildly toxic
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about €3.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €3.90 – €5.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 13, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Ground cover plants Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Plants for containers Plants for a Mediterranean garden Rock garden plants Fragrant plants

Compare with similar plants

Cheddar pink vs Cottage pink Cheddar pink vs Creeping thyme Cheddar pink vs Rock rose

Looks good next to it

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Atlas fescue

Festuca mairei

English lavender

Lavandula angustifolia