About

A compact, clump-forming perennial to 40cm high, with silvery, finely hairy leaves. Produces rounded, deep pink flowers with white eyes on branching, silver-grey flower stems from early to late 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, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen, Deciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Rock garden

Care notes

CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well drained soil in full sun or light shade; will tolerate poor and dry soils.
PruningDeadhead to prolong flowering
PropagationPropagate by division of established clumps, or by seed, though plants grown from seed may vary
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free