Overview
Silene coronaria is a clump forming annual biennial in the genus Silene, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Silene coronaria grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.
About
Silene coronaria, commonly known as rose campion, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial from the Caryophyllaceae family. It typically grows to a height of 0.5 to 1 metre and spreads between 0.1 and 0.5 metres, reaching full size within one to two years. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in well-drained loam or sandy soils with a range of pH levels, from acid to alkaline. It is suited to full sun or partial shade and can be grown in both exposed and sheltered locations, providing interest during the summer and winter seasons.
About the genus
Silene is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. Containing between 500 and 900 species, it is the largest genus in the family. Common names include campion and catchfly.
Wikipedia contributors, "Silene", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Silene
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Silene
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Silene coronaria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 1-2 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Silene coronaria
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Silene coronaria?
Silene coronaria prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Silene coronaria need?
Silene coronaria grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Silene coronaria grow?
Silene coronaria reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.
Is Silene coronaria hardy in the UK?
Silene coronaria has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Silene coronaria?
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
More in the Silene genus
- Lychnis chalcedonica (Hessenhof Form)Maltese Cross
- Lychnis coronaria 'Alba'Rose Campion
- Silene fimbriatafringed-flowered campion
- Silene aomorensis
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