The Story
Plant Bio
Dianthus gratianopolitanus, commonly known as Cheddar pink, is a mat-forming perennial with grassy, blue-green foliage. It is noted for its profuse spring bloom of fragrant, fringed, pink flowers.
'Bath's Pink' is a popular cultivar distinguished by its vigorous, spreading habit and a particularly heavy bloom of single, star-shaped, soft pink flowers with fringed petals. The flowers are highly fragrant and rise above a low mound of blue-gray, evergreen foliage.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Central and Western Europe
Toxicity
Mildly toxic to pets if ingested
Bloom period
Late spring – Late fall
In flower about 7 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring.
- Water gently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Place in full sun for optimal blooming.
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding, after 6 weeks.
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote more blooms.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Ensure well-drained soil and full sun for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water moderately during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous flowering
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don't fertilize late in the season
- Never neglect deadheading for prolonged bloom
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bath's Pink Dianthus questions
What zones can Bath's Pink Dianthus grow in?
Bath's Pink Dianthus is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Bath's Pink Dianthus deer resistant?
Yes — Bath's Pink Dianthus is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Bath's Pink Dianthus bloom?
Bath's Pink Dianthus typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bath's Pink Dianthus need full sun?
Bath's Pink Dianthus does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Bath's Pink Dianthus drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bath's Pink Dianthus handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Dianthus to compare
Hardy Carnation
Dianthus caryophyllus 'Hardy Mixed'
Paint the Town Magenta Pinks
Dianthus x hybrida 'Paint the Town Magenta'
Cherry Vanilla Dianthus
Dianthus dianthus 'Cherry Vanilla'
Maiden Pink
Dianthus deltoides
Chinese Pink Rockin' Red Dianthus
Dianthus chinensis 'Rockin' Red'
Chinese Pink Neon Star Dianthus
Dianthus chinensis 'Neon Star'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Bath's Pink Dianthus with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.