Silene vulgaris
bladder campion
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
Other common names
common bladder catchflycowbell
see moremaiden's tears
ben
bird's eggs
bull rattle
cow pap
devil's rattlebox
frothy poppy
kiss-me-quick
rattle bay
snappers
spatling poppy
white ben
white bottle
Synonyms
Silene wallichianaSilene cucubalus
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or dappled shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Cut down after flowers fade to prolong flowering
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to Powdery mildews in dry soils
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.