Additional notes (click to expand)

Nomenclature

Synonyms: Dianthus caesius
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/5722/i-Dianthus-gratianopolitanus-i/Details

Di+anthos Greek for 'of Zeus'+'flower'. gratianopolitanus Latin for 'of Grenoble' (France)
Stearn, W.T.. (1992). Stearn's Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. Cassell.

Called Cheddar Pink as it was native to the Cheddar Gorge in Somerset. Nearly wiped out by over collection but still exists on inaccessible cliffs in the gorge.

Geographical distribution

  • Europe, Eastern Europe, Ukraine
  • Europe, Middle Europe
  • Europe, Northern Europe, Great Britain
  • Europe, Southwestern Europe, France

Dianthus gratianopolitanus Vill.

Family: CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Genus: Dianthus
Species: gratianopolitanus Vill.
Common names: Cheddar pink, Cliff pink
Distribution summary: Europe
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: H6 - Hardy; very cold winter
Habitat: Limestone ledges, limestone turf
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Classical Europe & Middle East (I)
Flowering months: April, May


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