A perennial belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family, this subspecies is endemic to the Balkans, more specifically to the mountain ranges of Bulgaria and North Macedonia, where it occupies rocky alpine grasslands and scree on siliceous substrates, at altitudes generally between 1,800 and 2,900 metres.
It forms a dense, tight cushion of narrow, bright green, spine-tipped linear leaves, giving it a very compact habit characteristic of plants adapted to the harsh conditions of high altitude. The short flowering stems rise barely 5–10 cm above the foliage.
The flowers, borne individually, have entire or very slightly denticulate petals of a delicate pale pink with pinkish-white tints, traversed by more pronounced veining. Their smooth, rounded appearance clearly distinguishes them from species with fringed petals.
In its natural habitat, it flowers from July to August.
In cultivation, it requires perfect drainage, a poor and mineral substrate, and full sun exposure. It is particularly well suited to high-mountain rock gardens, troughs and container growing with winter protection against excessive moisture.