Perennial of the Caryophyllaceae family, Dianthus alpinus is a carnation strictly confined to the calcareous eastern Alps, mainly in Austria, in the regions of Tyrol and Styria. It grows in rocky grasslands, fine screes, and rock crevices on calcareous or dolomitic substrate, at an altitude of about 1,500 to 2,500 meters.
It forms small dense cushions 5 to 10 cm in height. The leaves are oval-lanceolate, fleshy, bright and glossy green, wider than most alpine carnations. The flower buds are a deep purple-brown, almost dark, which further accentuates the explosion of color upon opening.
The flowers, solitary and large relative to the size of the plant, are bright pink to carmine pink, adorned with a network of purple streaks radiating from a whitish center. The petals are toothed at the edge. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from June to August. In cultivation, it occurs from May to July depending on exposure.
It requires a calcareous, very well-drained soil, in full sun exposure, and dreads stagnant moisture in winter. It is perfectly suited for well-maintained rock gardens and alpine gardens.