About
Silene schafta, the autumn catchfly, is a mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial to 25 cm with fresh-green, lance-shaped leaves and bright purplish-pink flowers 2 cm across with reddish tubular calyces, borne in small clusters on erect stems from late summer well into autumn. One of the most rewarding late-flowering alpine campions for a sunny, well-drained rock garden or front of 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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, Coastal, Rock garden
Native toCaucasus
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or light shade. Suitable for rock garden, scree bed or alpine house. Resents winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews