About
This sprawling perennial wildflower, with slender, spreading stems and narrowly oval-shaped, slightly hairy green leaves. Slightly nodding, bell-shaped flowers, with a pale green outer casing and narrow, divided white petals, are produced in summer. Flowers are followed by round black berries.
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, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toTemperate Eurasia
Care notes
CultivationThrives in moist but well-drained soil in part or dappled shade, but will tolerate a range of soils and positions. Ideal for woodland underplanting or wildflower meadows
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free