Dianthus gratianopolitanus

Dianthus gratianopolitanus, commonly known as Cheddar pink, is a species belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a herbaceous perennial, hardy to zones 4–8. It grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 feet, blooming from May to June. Flowers are fragrant and rose pink. Grows best in full sun, and has medium water requirements. Overwatering or poor drainage leads to crown rot, and they do not tolerate wet winter soil conditions. It became a protected species in the UK in 1975 under the Conservation of Wild Creatures and Wild Plants Act. Cultivars include 'Feuerhexe' (syn. 'Fire Witch'), 'Grandiflorus' and 'Tiny Rubies'.