About
A short-lived perennial to 45cm high, with finely hairy, oval to lance-shaped green leaves strongly flushed with purple-bronze. Clusters of bright orange-red, star-shaped flowers with notched petals are borne on stiff, upright stems in early summer.
About the genus
Silene can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, with opposite, untoothed leaves and solitary or clustered flowers with 5, usually notched petals
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
CultivationThrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun; will benefit from midday shade in hotter areas
PruningPinch out early in the season to keep compact and bushy; deadhead to encourage further flowers and to control seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division of established clumps, or by basal softwood cuttings in spring. Will self-seed in place, but seedlings may vary
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, aphids and cuckoo spit
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free