About
White flowers with deeply-cut petals are borne on branched stems throughout summer. A low-growing, mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial. The leaves are lance-shaped, grey-green and slightly fleshy.
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
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
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 usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden, Wildlife gardens
Native toMacaronesia, Europe
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a well-drained soil in a sunny position. Ideal for rock gardens, scree beds, gravel gardens, walls and alpine troughs
PruningDeadhead after flowering
PropagationDivide congested mats in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free