About
A biennial or short-lived perennial maturing to about 1m in height, producing elliptic, green leaves, and white, 5-petalled, conspicuous flowers, scented in the evening, appearing in masses during 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 pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or light shade. Resents winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, division or take basal softwood cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to smut and powdery mildews