About
Silene nutans, Nottingham catchfly, is a hardy perennial to 50 cm producing lance-shaped, hairy, green leaves and nodding, white or flushed-pink flowers with deeply fringed petals and a pungent, sweet scent, opening in the evening to attract nocturnal pollinators from May to August. A charming and ecologically rewarding native wildflower for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Silene, the campions and catchflies, are annuals, biennials and perennials producing two-lipped or notched petals in white, pink or red flowers, often with an inflated or sticky calyx. Excellent plants for a sunny, well-drained border, rock garden or wildflower meadow.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage 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. See Creating wildflower meadows / RHS Gardening for further advice. See Creating wildflower meadows for further advice
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free