About
A woody-based, upright, semi-evergreen perennial about 60-80cm tall, with oval greyish-green leaves, and lax sprays of white flowers 2.5cm wide, each with a balloon-like inflated calyx, opening in summer.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toTemp. Eurasia, Macaronesia, N Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or dappled shade
PruningCut down after flowers fade to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to powdery mildews in dry soils