Overview
Silene viscosa is a clump-forming, mat-forming perennial in the genus Silene, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with semi-evergreen foliage. Silene viscosa 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 Altay, Amur, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, Finland and Hungary.
About
Silene viscosa, the white sticky catchfly, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to cool-temperate areas of eastern Europe, western Siberia, and western and central Asia, and has been introduced to Germany.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Silene viscosa
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 viscosa 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
- Altay, Amur, Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Central European Russia, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, Finland, Hungary
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Silene viscosa
- Propagation
- Seed, division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Silene viscosa?
Silene viscosa prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Silene viscosa need?
Silene viscosa 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 viscosa hardy in the UK?
Silene viscosa 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 viscosa?
Seed, division.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Silene genus
- Lychnis chalcedonica (Hessenhof Form)Maltese Cross
- Lychnis coronaria 'Alba'Rose Campion
- Silene dioicaRed Campion
- Silene dioica 'Flore Pleno'Red Campion Double
- Silene dioica 'Richmond'Red Campion
- Silene fimbriatafringed-flowered campion
- Silene aomorensis