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Herbaceous Perennial

Silene dioica
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

red campion

A short-lived perennial tbears its male and female flowers on separate plants. Plants form clumps of downy leaves from which emerge flowering stems up to 1m in height. Flowering is mainly in late spring. Flowers have five deeply notched, pink petals. Seed capsules have toothed edges as they open to disperse ripe seed on female plants

Other common names
adder's flower
devil's flower
see morehare's eye
mother-die
poor robin
ragged Jack
red lychnis
robins
white soapwort
soldiers
Synonyms
Melandrium rubrum
Lychnis dioica
see moreLychnis diurna
Lychnis sylvestris
Silene diurna
Lychnis preslii minor
Silene rubra
Melandrium sylvestre
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Green
Summer Pink Green
Autumn Pink Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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

Plant range
Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Occurs naturally on well-drained, moderately fertile soils. Dislikes waterlogging so is rarely found on heavy clay. A flower of hedgerows and semi-shaded places

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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