About
A semi-evergreen, clump-forming perennial up to 1.2m high with upright stems bearing rough, lance-shaped leaves to 10cm long and, in summer, clusters of reddish-orange, five-petalled, star-shaped flowers with each petal deeply divided into 4-6 lobes.
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
Soil typeLoam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow
Native toS USA, N Mexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free