About
This biennial or short-lived native perennial to 80cm tall, with silvery-grey felted leaves and lax sprays of long-stalked, vivid rose-purple flowers 3cm across in 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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Prairie planting, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toSE Europe, Asia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free