Overview
Silene dioica is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Silene, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Silene dioica grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, woodland gardens and borders. It is native to Europe.
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
In the garden
Melandrium rubrum, commonly called Red Campion, is a herbaceous perennial in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to Europe. It produces pink to red flowers that bloom from June to August, making it a recognisable summer element in cooler, shaded parts of a garden as well as in sunnier edges. Grow it in positions from partial shade to full sun where the soil remains moist. It adapts to loamy, sandy or clay soils and prefers a neutral to slightly acidic pH; these tolerances mean it will establish on a range of sites so long as moisture is not lacking. Classified H7, it is fully hardy across the UK and will survive winter frosts without special protection. Use Red Campion in wildlife gardens, woodland plantings and mixed borders, especially where a summer flush of pink to red flowers is wanted among shrubs and herbaceous companions. Its long flowering window from June to August makes it useful for sustaining summer interest in shady corners and strengthening wildlife-oriented plantings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Silene
- Sunlight
- Partial shade, Full sun
- Soil type
- Loamy, Sandy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Silene dioica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Woodland gardens, Borders
- Native to
- Europe
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Silene dioica
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates partial shade; self-seeds readily
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Silene dioica?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates partial shade; self-seeds readily.
Where is the best place to plant Silene dioica?
Silene dioica prefers partial shade and full sun.
What soil does Silene dioica need?
Silene dioica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, sandy and clay. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Silene dioica?
Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Silene dioica hardy in the UK?
Silene dioica has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Silene dioica?
Seed, Division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Silene genus
- Lychnis chalcedonica (Hessenhof Form)Maltese Cross
- Lychnis coronaria 'Alba'Rose Campion
- Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno'Red Campion Double
- Silene dioica 'Richmond'Red Campion
- Silene fimbriatafringed-flowered campion
- Silene aomorensis