About
A collection of biennials or short-lived perennials, with slender upright stems and narrowly ovate leaves all felted with silvery white. Branching sprays of white flowers with deep pink centres 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 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 usesCottage and informal garden, Prairie planting
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering or to prevent unwanted self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed or by basal softwood cuttings in spring.
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slug and snail damage
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free