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Silene uniflora
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

sea campion

A low-growing, mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial. The leaves are lance-shaped, grey-green and slightly fleshy. White flowers with deeply-cut petals are borne on branched stems throughout summer

Other common names
seaside catchfly
sea pink
Synonyms
Silene vulgaris subsp. maritima
Silene alpina
see moreSilene maritima
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 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
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Matforming
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
Macaronesia, Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained soil in a sunny position. Ideal for rock gardens, scree beds, gravel gardens, walls and alpine troughs

Propagation

Divide congested mats in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Rock garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Garden edging
Pruning

Deadhead after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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