About
A biennial or short-lived perennial to around 75cm high, with slender upright stems and narrowly ovate leaves felted with silvery white. Branching sprays of deep crimson flowers are produced 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 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 height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Coastal, Gravel garden, Wildlife gardens
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade, but better flower colour in full sun
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or by basal softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free