Silene dioica
red campion
A dainty native wildflower with rose-pink flowers on upright stems in late spring and early summer. Red campion is perfect for naturalising in partially shady areas of a moist wildflower meadow or woodland edge. Commonly found growing in woods and hedgerows, in former times the pounded seed of Silene dioica was used to treat snake bite.
How to care for Silene dioica:
Once planted out, Silene prefers a spot in full sun with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first season while plants establish. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as they can cause root rot.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, or leave some seed heads if you want it to self-seed. Tall stems may benefit from staking in exposed spots to prevent flopping. Cut back spent growth in autumn or early spring.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, or leave some seed heads if you want it to self-seed. Tall stems may benefit from staking in exposed spots to prevent flopping. Cut back spent growth in autumn or early spring.
Sowing instructions:
Sow indoors from late winter to early spring (February to April) at around 18-21°C (64-70°F) in trays of moist seed compost. Sow the seeds thinly on the surface and lightly press them in, but don’t cover, as light aids germination. Keep the compost moist but not wet.
Germination typically takes 2–3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them on individually and grow on in cooler conditions. Harden off before planting out after the last frost. Alternatively, sow direct outdoors in late spring, in finely prepared soil. Thin seedlings to final spacing once established.
Germination typically takes 2–3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them on individually and grow on in cooler conditions. Harden off before planting out after the last frost. Alternatively, sow direct outdoors in late spring, in finely prepared soil. Thin seedlings to final spacing once established.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
0.8m
Eventual spread:
0.45m
Position:
Full sun
Rate of growth:
Average
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness:
Fully hardy
-
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
9cm pot
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