Dianthus gratianopolitanus Badenia

Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Badenia', also known as Cheddar Pink, Cliff pink, or Mountain pink, is a very floriferous, compact, semi-evergreen cushion of a blue-grey colour, and intensely red, highly fragrant flowers. This rapidly growing perennial combines hardiness, an undemanding nature, and delicacy. It is ideal for rock gardens and walls, in full sun.

Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Badenia' belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a cultivar of Dianthus gratianopolitanus, native to Europe and Asia. This Dianthus has a rapid growth rate. Its mature size will not exceed 15 cm (6in) in height with a spread of 40 cm (16in) or more. This plant forms a small prostrate cushion with a carpeting habit. Its linear, semi-evergreen, and leathery leaves are a beautiful blue-grey colour. The flowering takes place in May and June, sometimes until the first frost if the soil is not too dry, with small, fragrant, dentate red flowers. They are usually borne on stiff, single flowering stems.

Dianthus gratianopolitanus 'Badenia' is a plant suitable for slopes and rock gardens. It can be accompanied by other flowering cushions such as helianthemums, silenes, dwarf artemisia Artemisia lanata, wall bellflowers, Caucasian rockcress, creeping phlox Phlox subulata, Delosperma cooperi, Erigeron karvinskianus, and bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum). This plant forms a beautiful groundcover between the paving stones, or in a wall or planter. It also adapts well to container gardening.