Plant Type

Ground cover, Perennial

 

Height Range

Under 1'

 

Flower Color

Lavender, Pink, Red, White

 

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green, Grey Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Medium

 

Growth Rate

Moderate

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

 

Location Uses

Entry, Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Raised Planter, Walkways

 

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Small Spaces

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Cheddar pinks are a group of perennials with a compact habit and long, grey-green leaves that form grassy-looking little mounds. Flowers appear late spring to early summer on stiff, erect stems, and may be single, double, or multi-petaled, depending on the cultivar, but they are most always fragrant. Color also depends on cultivar, though they are in pink through red shades, and white. Place near a walkway where their heady fragrance may be enjoyed, but also splendid in rock gardens and park strips. Grows 6 to 12 inches tall and 12 to 30 inches wide.

Grow in full sun and well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Will not tolerate standing water or dampish soils. Though not evergreen, they hold their foliage late into the fall; shear off the old foliage in late winter before new growth emerges. Deadheading will prolong the bloom season, but do so while the flowers are still fresh and enjoy them in a vase indoors.