Cheddar Pinks or Dianthus are fragrant, summer-flowering plants with gray-green or blue-green foliage that closely resembles Carnation, to which it is related. Flowers are long-lasting and come in shades of pink, lavender, purple, white, and bi-colors. The blooms are held above the foliage on strong, narrow stems. ‘Bath’s Pink’ and ‘Firewitch’ are two of the best cultivars.
Dianthus, pronounced dy-AN-thus, is hardy in zones 4-8. Mature height, even when in bloom, is twelve inches or less. They prefer full sun with light shade in the afternoon. Their spreading habit makes a good groundcover or container plant, where they will spill gracefully over the rim. One of the prettiest combinations I have witnessed was the use of Cheddar Pinks as a groundcover underneath an upright Coal Bark Maple (Sango Kaku).
Cheddar Pinks must have good drainage to prevent root rot. They prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Pinks looks best in mass plantings. If allowed to spread into each other, a full bed of Dianthus resembles a gray carpet. They are also effective when spaced further apart and used as a bed edging.
The flowers attract bees and butterflies. Cheddar Pinks are a good choice for pollinator gardens and rock gardens. They will tolerate limited drought and are moderately deer resistant. Plants are toxic to humans and pets.
A close view of Dianthus, commonly called Cheddar Pinks or Clove Pinks.
A border of assorted Dianthus in a tiny strip between brick and asphalt
These Dianthus are just starting to flower (mid-April, in western NC) but you can clearly see the similarity with florist Carnations.