About
A biennial or short-lived perennial, maturing to 70cm tall, with silvery-white woolly leaves and stems. Double, sterile, magenta-red flowers, to 4cm across, are held on stiff 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 typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-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 usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Prairie planting, City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate from basal cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free