Silene schafta
autumn catchfly
A mat-forming semi-evergreen perennial to 25cm, with bright green lance-shaped leaves and purplish-pink flowers 2cm across, with reddish tubular calyces, borne in small clusters on erect stems from late summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 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 | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- 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
- Caucasus
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or light shade. Suitable for rock garden, scree bed or alpine house. Resents winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Coastal
- Rock garden
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to powdery mildews
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