Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' (Red Campion Double) — Perennial

Overview

Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' is a perennial in the genus Silene, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders and cottage gardens. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.

About

Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' is a perennial in the Caryophyllaceae, selected as a double-flowered form of Red Campion. It typically reaches about 0.5 m and suits sheltered, wind-protected sites. In the UK it flowers from June to September.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Silene dioica

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

Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' is a perennial member of the Caryophyllaceae native to regions of Belgium and Flanders. The cultivar is valued for its double-flowered Red Campion form and forms a compact clump to roughly 0.5 m high, making it an accessible mid-border plant for summer display. Position it in full sun to partial shade on soils that hold some moisture but drain freely; it tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils and a wide pH range from acidic through alkaline. Give the plant a sheltered, wind-protected aspect to prevent wind damage to the flowering stems. Listed as H7 in UK hardiness, it is fully hardy and suited to most UK winters (USDA zones 5–9 are appropriate reference points). Use Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' in perennial borders and cottage-garden plantings where its season of interest—June to September—will sit comfortably among other summer perennials. Plant where flowers can be seen from paths or seating areas; remove spent flowering stems and cut back to basal foliage after the June–September display to keep the clump tidy and encourage fresh shoots the following season.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Silene

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Sandy, Loamy, Clay
Soil pH: Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Exposure: Sheltered, Wind protected
UK hardiness: H7

Plant details

Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Height: 0.5 m
Suggested uses: Borders, Cottage gardens
Native to: Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno'

Cultivation: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; can self-seed
Pruning: Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
Propagation: Seed, Division

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno'?

Prefers moist, well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; can self-seed.

Where is the best place to plant Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno'?

Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and wind protected positions.

What soil does Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' need?

Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

How do I prune Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno'?

Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.

How big does Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' grow?

Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' reaches a height of 0.5 m.

Is Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' hardy in the UK?

Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno' 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 'Flore Pleno'?

Seed, Division.

More in the Silene genus

Browse all Silene →