About
Herbaceous perennial to 70cm, with branched stems bearing mid-green, lance-shaped basal leaves, and smaller stem leaves and, in late spring and early summer, terminal clusters of star-shaped white flowers, each petal deeply cut into four 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
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, West-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 usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
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