About

Atrosanguinea Group are erect short-lived perennials or biennials with silvery-grey, felted, oval to lance-shaped leaves and reddish-purple to vivid magenta flowers on branched stems in 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, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-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 height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Wildflower meadow, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens

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 and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free