About

A wild flower of rough ground reaching 50cm. It has green leaves and pale pnk, cream or white perfumed flowers overnight in 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
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral, Acid
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
FragranceFlower

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in good light
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews