Overview

Viscaria vulgaris is a perennial in the genus Viscaria, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Viscaria vulgaris grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and wildflower gardens. It is native to Eurasia.

About

Viscaria vulgaris is a perennial in the Caryophyllaceae whose stems are noticeably sticky below the leaf joints. It produces rosy-pink flowers through the summer, flowering from June to August. Native to Eurasia, it prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil and suits full sun or partial shade. It is commonly used in borders, rock gardens and wildflower areas.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Viscaria vulgaris

About the genus

Viscaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Europe, Kazakhstan, and western Siberia. Molecular studies attempting to resolve relationships in the tribe Sileneae have found that Viscaria is closely genetically related to the genus Atocion, but is quite distinct from it morphologically.

Wikipedia contributors, "Viscaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Viscaria

In the garden

Viscaria vulgaris is a herbaceous perennial from Eurasia that bears summer-flowering clusters of rosy-pink blooms. The stem surface is characteristically sticky just below the leaf joints, a feature reflected in both its common and botanical names. Flowering runs from June to August in the UK. Plant in a sunny or partly shaded spot with well-drained soil; sandy or loamy mixes are ideal. Soil should be neutral to alkaline and kept at moderate moisture — avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. The H5 hardiness rating means the plant is hardy and will tolerate typical UK winter conditions when placed in a free-draining, sheltered position. Use Viscaria vulgaris towards the front of mixed borders, in rock gardens or within informal wildflower areas where summer colour is wanted. It suits sites that retain some summer warmth and drainage rather than heavy shade or persistent wet. Note the sticky stems below the leaves when handling or placing it near delicate plantings.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Viscaria

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, sandy, loamy

Soil pH

neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

moderate

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Viscaria vulgaris size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

borders, rock gardens, wildflower gardens

Native to

Eurasia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Viscaria vulgaris

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; can tolerate some drought once established.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.

Propagation

Seed, division

Frequently asked questions