Overview
Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Melandrium, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and loamy soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders and wildflower gardens. It is native to Europe.
About
Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno' is an herbaceous perennial in the Caryophyllaceae that flowers in the UK from June to August. It is native to Europe and cultivated as a garden campion. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and suits borders and wildflower gardens.
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 'Flore Pleno' belongs to the Caryophyllaceae and originates from Europe, where it has been used in informal and mixed plantings. As an herbaceous perennial it returns year after year and provides a summer display, with its main flowering period running from June to August. Site selection should favour full sun or a spot with light afternoon shade. Plant into moist, well-drained loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH; avoid persistently waterlogged ground because the species prefers soil that holds moisture yet drains. In UK terms the cultivar is fully hardy (H7), so it remains planted outdoors through winter without the need for indoor protection. Use Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno' in perennial borders and wildflower-style areas where its summer flowering fits alongside other meadow or border perennials. Its European origin makes it appropriate for naturalistic schemes and mixed-edge planting. Expect the flowering window of June to August to provide mid-summer interest in suitable positions.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Melandrium
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, loamy
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, wildflower gardens
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates partial shade
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prolong flowering
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates partial shade.
Where is the best place to plant Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno'?
Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno' prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno' need?
Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno' grows best in well-drained and loamy soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno'?
Deadhead to prolong flowering.
Is Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno' hardy in the UK?
Melandrium rubrum 'Flore Pleno' 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 'Flore Pleno'?
Seed, division.