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.
Cheddar pink is cheaper: about HUF 1,400 at the size usually planted, against about HUF 2,000 for 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. HUF 1,400 | approx. HUF 2,000 |
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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