About
A perennial to 60cm in height, forming a mat of grey-hairy leaves with usually upright stems bearing clusters of rounded red, pink or white flowers 2.5cm across, with slightly notched and reflexed petals, in early to late summer.
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 typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitMatforming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toEuropean Alps
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed or basal cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free