Dianthus gratianopolitanus
| Dianthus gratianopolitanus | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 3 |
| Soil pH: | 6.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 1' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Mid Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Shelter | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Dianthus gratianopolitanus (common name: cheddar pink)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame[1]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 4 weeks at 20°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings in July/August in a cold frame. Very high percentage[K].
Division in March[1]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Cultivation: Prefers a dry calcareous soil and a sunny position[1]. Dislikes shade[2]. Plants succeed when grown on the top of a broad or retaining wall[3]. Plants grow well in a maritime environment, though they dislike damp conditions.
Plants are hardy to about -20°c[4].
A very ornamental plant[5]. The flowers are strongly clove-scented and are very attractive to butterflies and moths[6]. The double-flowered form, 'Flore Plena' has an even stronger scent.
Range: Western and central Europe from Britain and France to Moravia and Hungary.
Habitat: Carboniferous limestone cliffs[6]. In Britain this species is only found in Cheddar Gorge[6].
Usage: Can be used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position[7]. Plants should be placed about 25cm apart each way and form a slowly spreading carpet of growth[2].
Pollinators: Bees, lepidoptera
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Mid Summer-Late Summer
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Also Known As: D. caesius. D. caespitosus. D. glaucus. non L.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sanders, Thomas. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge, 1926.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Thomas, Graham. Plants for Ground Cover. Everyman, 1990.
- ↑ Grey-Wilson, Christopher and Victoria Matthews. Gardening on Walls. Collins, 1983.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.