About
A tall perennial to 1.2m in flower, with rough, oval-shaped basal leaves and stiff, hairy stems bearing smaller, clasping leaves. Densely-packed, domed clusters of coral pink, cross-shaped flowers with notched petals are produced at the tips of the stems in early to mid 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
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow
Care notes
CultivationThrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or part shade. May need support in exposed situations, see staking perennials
PruningDeadhead 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