About
A compact short-lived perennial, to around 25cm high, with green leaves strongly flushed with purple-bronze. Clusters of bright orange-red flowers with notched petals are produced from mid to late 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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
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
Care notes
CultivationThrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun; will tolerate light shade but foliage colour is better in sun
PruningDeadhead to encourage further flowers
PropagationPropagate by seed, by division of established clumps, or by basal softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs, aphids and cuckoo spit
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free