About
A slender spreading or upright perennial about 75cm tall, with branched stems bearing opposite, lance-shaped leaves and, in late spring and early summer, terminal clusters of star-shaped pale to deep rose-pink flowers, each petal deeply cut into 4 narrow segments.
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 typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Cottage and informal garden
Native toEurope, Caucasus, Russia
Care notes
CultivationThrives in a moist, moderately fertile soil in sun or part shade. Well suited to moist meadows or wild gardens
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed, division or take basal cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free