Silene atropurpurea
A compact tufted perennial to 45cm in height, with sticky stems bearing narrow, dark green leaves, and purple-red flowers 2cm in width in narrow panicles in early and mid summer
Synonyms
Lychnis viscaria subsp. atropurpureaSilene atropurpurea
see moreLychnis alpina subsp. atropurpurea
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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
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Matforming, Tufted
- Genus
A genus of low-growing flowering plants with thin, ovate green foliage and clusters of pretty pink, white or purple flowers on sticky, upright stems. A deep taproot makes this a genus which can survive drought conditions
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Balkan Peninsula
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist fertile soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division or basal cuttings in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering then cut down in autumn
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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