Overview
Melandrium rubrum is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Melandrium, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Melandrium rubrum grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, woodland gardens and borders. It is native to Europe.
About
A herbaceous perennial bearing pink to red summer flowers, Melandrium rubrum (Red Campion) offers a summer display in partly shaded places. It is native to Europe and produces its blooms from June to August. The plant prefers moist soils of loam, sand or clay and tolerates neutral to slightly acidic conditions. Fully hardy in the UK (H7), it suits woodland margins and wildlife-friendly borders.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Silene dioica
About the genus
Silene is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. Containing between 500 and 900 species, it is the largest genus in the family.
In the garden
Melandrium rubrum, commonly called Red Campion, is a herbaceous perennial in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to Europe. It produces pink to red flowers that bloom from June to August, making it a recognisable summer element in cooler, shaded parts of a garden as well as in sunnier edges. Grow it in positions from partial shade to full sun where the soil remains moist. It adapts to loamy, sandy or clay soils and prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH; these tolerances mean it will establish on a range of sites so long as moisture is not lacking. Classified H7, it is fully hardy across the UK and will survive winter frosts without special protection. Use Red Campion in wildlife gardens, woodland plantings and mixed borders, especially where a summer flush of pink to red flowers is wanted among shrubs and herbaceous companions. Its long flowering window from June to August makes it useful for sustaining summer interest in shady corners and strengthening wildlife-oriented plantings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Melandrium
- Sunlight
- Partial shade, Full sun
- Soil type
- Loamy, Sandy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Melandrium rubrum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Woodland gardens, Borders
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melandrium rubrum
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates partial shade; self-seeds readily
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Melandrium rubrum?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates partial shade; self-seeds readily.
Where is the best place to plant Melandrium rubrum?
Melandrium rubrum prefers partial shade and full sun.
What soil does Melandrium rubrum need?
Melandrium rubrum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, sandy and clay. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Melandrium rubrum?
Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Melandrium rubrum hardy in the UK?
Melandrium rubrum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Melandrium rubrum?
Seed, Division.