Dianthus subacaulis

CHEDDAR PINK

Dianthus subacaulis
CHEDDAR PINK

Dianthus subacaulis is known as the Cheddar Pink.
As it enchants growing wild on the cliffs of the Cheddar Gorge in Somerset, where Cheddar Cheese originates from, and the cheeses are still matured in the caves to this day.
However the plant is more commonly found along cliffs and rocky places in South West France, and even by the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
So this indicates what a “tough as nails” little treasure the Cheddar Pink really is.

Exquisite carpets of colour

Flower colours of individual plants range from a romantic pale pink shade to rich carmine.
So one Dianthus amurensis is a lovely cushion, but mass planted in groups they create a shimmering carpet of colour and scent.

Cushions of scent

Dianthus subacaulis packs a power of perfume, despite it’s petite size. In this case size definitely does not matter.
The flowers sit jauntily upright, seeming to float just above the low cushion of moss-like foliage.
But whatever shade of pink, each flower is intensely and exquisitely perfumed with the spicy scent of cloves.

Robust, tough & easy grower

The Cheddar Pink  is a robust, tough, and very easy to grow plant.
So it is almost maintenance free and indestructible when planted in a suitable site or a pot.
It is just happy getting on with the job of choking out weeds.

Wonderful dense groundcover, edge or pot

Grey-green fine foliage makes an attractive, evergreen, grey-green clump of moss like foliage.
So the plant is pretty even in winter and not in flower.
Plant near an edge, or in a pot, where you can really enjoy the pink flowers and delicious scent close up.
It shines as a decorative container plant, including on a balcony.

Water-wise & thrives in heat, dry & wind

So plant Dianthus subacaulis in Full Sun, where this tough little survivor will thrive in heat, dry, and wind.
Plants are water-wise and drought tolerant once established.
It is also very frost hardy and able to withstand temperatures down to at least -25C.

Loves lime

Delightful Dianthus subacaulis loves sandy soil, gravel and rocky sites.
And thrives in areas with plenty of lime and the optimum soil pH is 7-8.5.
So it is perfectly suited to seaside gardens.
Or to life in a pot, then you can move it around to have the perfume always near.

Perfect mossy cushions for blazing sun

Dianthus subacaulis is 10cm. High in flower x 30cm. approx. Wide, flat cushion of grey-green foliage.

Quick & easy to raise from seed to flower

Dianthus subacaulis blooms the first year from seed.
So it is well worth getting seed started as soon as possible so you can enjoy the flowers and scent as quickly as possible.

Delicious colour, flavour & scent for the kitchen

Petals of Dianthus subacaulis can be used in the kitchen for salads, garnish, cakes, drinks and desserts.
They have a delicate clove like flavour and delicious spicy scent.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY

Suitable for beginners & gardening with kids

Seeds of Dianthus subacaulis can be sown at any time indoors / or scattered directly in the garden in winter or early spring.

Sow Indoors for early plants: First sow the seeds in a punnet on the surface of good quality seed raising mix.
Now gently pat the seeds to the surface to ensure good contact.
Then barely sprinkle with mix or fine sandy grit.
Because these seeds need light to germinate and should not be buried or deeply covered.

Continue to keep moist in a well lit position (but not in any direct sun).

Temperatures of 16-20°C approx. are best for rapid and optimum germination.
But these seeds are quick, easy and reliable to germinate.

Seedlings emerge in approx. 14-21 days.

Scatter seeds directly in the garden:
Scatter in full sun in neutral to alkaline soil that drains well.
Dianthus do not tolerate wet soil well, particularly in winter – so don’t plant them where water collects.

Seed Count: 10 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count, and give a generous serve).

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