Dianthus cwsius

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Dianthus Cwsius

D. cwsius. This is the Cheddar Pink, and one of the best known of the dianthus family. The name " Cheddar " is derived from the place in which it is found in Somerset, where it grows on limestone rocks, but it is common in alpine pastures.

It is a delightful little rock-garden plant, very neat and compact in growth, and makes a cushion of glaucous leaves, from which in May spring the sweet-smelling rose-coloured flowers, each on its own stem, which varies as much as from four inches to ten inches high. It is rather a variable species, and different forms in cultivation bear this name, some being very dwarf with large flowers, while others are taller with smaller ones and branching stems. None of the alpine Pinks are so easily grown ; it is at home on old walls, or on sunny ledges in the rock-garden when planted in gritty or calcareous soil.

Sometimes it is placed in the ordinary border, and then it is wise to raise the soil above the level with brick rubbish to ensure safety during a damp winter. As old garden walls, and new for that matter, are frequently clothed with flowers, this pretty Pink must not be forgotten in the planting.

Propagation of Dianthus Cwsius

Sow the seeds in the cracks with a little soil, and tufts are quickly formed.