Dianthus carthusianorum - Carthusian Pink

Explore Dianthus carthusianorum (Carthusian Pink) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Dianthus carthusianorum | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Carthusian Pink

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Appearance: A clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with slender stems, narrow, grass-like leaves, and deep magenta flowers in small clusters atop tall, wiry stalks.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A

Layer: Herbaceous

Root System: Fibrous root system

Height: 30–60 cm

Width: 20–30 cm

Lifespan: Long-lived perennial

Growth Rate: Moderate

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects

Toxicity: Not considered toxic

Dianthus carthusianorum | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

Native Range: Central and Southern Europe, from dry grasslands to rocky slopes
Companionship: Thrives alongside other drought-tolerant perennials like lavender, thyme, and ornamental grasses
Invasive Range: Not reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4–9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: Not specified

Resistance/Tolerance

Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Low tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: Moderate tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Low tolerance

Thriving Conditions

Sun Exposure: Full sun
Soil Moisture: Prefers well-drained, dry to moderately moist soils
Soil Type: Thrives in sandy, loamy, or rocky soils
Soil pH: Prefers neutral to slightly alkaline (6.5–8.0)

Propagation

Seeds: Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or early autumn
Cuttings: Can be propagated by softwood cuttings

Dianthus carthusianorum | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Not commonly used as a food source

Medicinal: Some traditional uses for mild digestive and respiratory support

Cosmetics: Occasionally used in herbal skincare preparations

Animal Feed: Not used for fodder

Fiber: Not utilized for fiber production

Timber: Not applicable

Firewood: Not applicable

Wind Break: Not suitable as a windbreak

Fence: Not used as a barrier plant

Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop

Mulch: Not typically used as mulch

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available

Pollinator Attractor: Highly attractive to bees and butterflies

Pest Repellent: Not commonly noted as a pest repellent

Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar for pollinators

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