Overview
Silene tatarica is a clump-forming, mat-forming perennial in the genus Silene, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Silene tatarica grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include rock gardens, borders, wildflower meadows and coastal gardens. It is native to Baltic States, Belarus, Central European Russia, East European Russia, Finland, Germany, Kazakhstan, North European Russia, Northwest European Russia, Norway, Poland and South European Russia.
About
Silene tatarica, called the Tartarian catchfly, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Silene, found in north-central Europe and western Asia, from Germany and Norway eastwards to western Siberia and Kazakhstan. A specialist of riparian habitats, its seeds are dispersed by water.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Silene tatarica
About the genus
Silene is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. Containing between 500 and 900 species, it is the largest genus in the family. Common names include campion and catchfly.
Wikipedia contributors, "Silene", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Silene
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Silene
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Silene tatarica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, mat-forming
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Rock gardens, borders, wildflower meadows, coastal gardens
- Native to
- Baltic States, Belarus, Central European Russia, East European Russia, Finland, Germany, Kazakhstan, North European Russia, Northwest European Russia, Norway, Poland, South European Russia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Silene tatarica
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Silene tatarica?
Silene tatarica prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Silene tatarica need?
Silene tatarica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Silene tatarica hardy in the UK?
Silene tatarica has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Silene tatarica?
Seed, division.
More in the Silene genus
- Lychnis chalcedonica (Hessenhof Form)Maltese Cross
- Lychnis coronaria 'Alba'Rose Campion
- Silene fimbriatafringed-flowered campion
- Silene aomorensis