Overview
Silene dioica 'Richmond' is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Silene, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. It typically grows around 0.5 m tall. Silene dioica 'Richmond' 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, wildflower gardens and naturalizing. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region and Flanders.
About
Silene dioica 'Richmond' is a herbaceous perennial in the Caryophyllaceae that produces dark pink to red flowers from June to September. It reaches about 0.5 m and suits positions in full sun or partial shade. The cultivar tolerates sandy, loamy and clay soils provided they remain moist but well-drained. Native to regions of Belgium, it is commonly used in borders, wildflower areas and for naturalising.
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 'Richmond' is a herbaceous perennial in the Caryophyllaceae, native to parts of Belgium. It is valued for its pink–red flowers that appear from June to September and for its mid-border height of roughly 0.5 m. In UK terms it carries an H7 rating (fully hardy), and it also falls within USDA hardiness zones 5–9. Choose a site in full sun or partial shade on a south, east or west aspect; avoid deep shade. The plant adapts to sandy, loamy or clay soils across a range of pH levels (acidic to alkaline) but performs best where the ground remains moist yet drains freely. It tolerates both sheltered and more exposed locations, so it will withstand breezy garden edges as well as more protected beds. Planting in groups suits its suggested uses: mixed herbaceous borders, wildflower gardens and naturalising schemes. At around 0.5 m tall it sits well between lower groundcovers and taller perennials, providing a steady run of colour from early summer into early autumn. Positioning it where its June–September display can be seen close to paths or lawn edges makes the most of the seasonality of the flowers.
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
- Aspect
- South, East, West
- Exposure
- Sheltered, Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Silene dioica 'Richmond' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous perennial
- Height
- 0.5 m
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Wildflower gardens, Naturalizing
- Native to
- Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Silene dioica 'Richmond'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; avoid waterlogging
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Silene dioica 'Richmond'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil; tolerates a range of soil types; avoid waterlogging.
Where is the best place to plant Silene dioica 'Richmond'?
Silene dioica 'Richmond' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Silene dioica 'Richmond' need?
Silene dioica 'Richmond' 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 'Richmond'?
Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
How big does Silene dioica 'Richmond' grow?
Silene dioica 'Richmond' reaches a height of 0.5 m.
Is Silene dioica 'Richmond' hardy in the UK?
Silene dioica 'Richmond' 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 'Richmond'?
Seed, Division.
More in the Silene genus
- Lychnis chalcedonica (Hessenhof Form)Maltese Cross
- Lychnis coronaria 'Alba'Rose Campion
- Silene fimbriatafringed-flowered campion
- Silene aomorensis