Silene, commonly known as Catchfly or Campion.

What Makes Silene So Special?

Silene offers a wide range of species and cultivars, from low-growing rock garden plants to taller border perennials. Many species have a unique characteristic: sticky stems and calyces (the outer parts of the flower) that can trap small insects, hence the common name "Catchfly" (although they are not truly carnivorous). The flowers themselves are often quite beautiful, with five petals that are frequently notched or fringed, adding a delicate texture. Many are also known for their long bloom times, providing color in the garden for weeks or even months. Some species have inflated, bladder-like calyces that are interesting in their own right. Finally, many Silene are quite adaptable and easy to grow.

Description

• Flowers: Typically, five-petaled, with the petals often deeply notched, fringed, or divided, giving them a delicate, lacy appearance. Colors range from white and pink to bright red, magenta, and even purplish. Many species have a prominent calyx (the sepals that enclose the flower bud), which can be inflated, ribbed, or colored.
• Foliage: Leaves are usually opposite, simple, and lanceolate to ovate. Foliage color varies from green to gray-green.
• Growth Habit: Varies considerably depending on the species. Some are low-growing, mat-forming plants, while others are upright, clump-forming perennials. Some are annuals or biennials. Heights range from a few inches to several feet.
• Stems: Often sticky or hairy, particularly near the flower heads. This stickiness is what gives the plant its common name, "Catchfly."

Details

• Bloom Time: Varies by species, but generally spring to summer, with some extending into fall.
• Hardiness: Varies by species, but many are hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
• Sunlight: Most prefer full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day), but some tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: Generally, prefer well-drained soil. Many are adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, rocky, or average garden soil. Some prefer alkaline soils.
• Drought Tolerance: Varies by species. Some are quite drought-tolerant once established, while others prefer more consistent moisture.
• Deer Resistance: Generally considered deer-resistant.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and moths. Some species are particularly attractive to moths, as they are night-blooming or have a strong fragrance in the evening.
• Self-Seeding: Many readily self-seed.

Native Habitat

Silene species are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, with a high concentration in the Mediterranean region. They occupy a wide range of habitats, including meadows, woodlands, rocky slopes, and coastal areas.

Landscaping Design Tips

• Rock Gardens: Low-growing species like Silene uniflora (Sea Campion) and Silene acaulis (Moss Campion) are excellent choices for rock gardens.
• Borders: Taller species, such as Silene coronaria (Rose Campion) and Silene dioica (Red Campion), are well-suited for mixed perennial borders.
• Cottage Gardens: Their informal habit and often bright colors make them a good fit for cottage gardens.
• Wildflower Gardens: Many Silene species are native wildflowers and can be incorporated into naturalistic plantings.
• Containers: Some species can be grown in containers.
• Cutting Gardens: Some species, like Silene armeria (Sweet William Catchfly), make good cut flowers.
• Erosion Control: Some species with spreading habits can be used for erosion control on slopes.
• Companion Plants: Combine with other sun-loving perennials.
• Night Gardens: Species with white or pale-colored flowers that are fragrant in the evening are good choices for night gardens.

Planting and Care

• Planting: Plant in spring or fall. Space plants according to their mature size.
• Watering: Water regularly when newly planted. Once established, watering requirements vary by species. Drought-tolerant species need less frequent watering.
• Fertilizing: Generally, do not require heavy fertilization. A light feeding of a balanced fertilizer in spring may be beneficial.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and prevent self-seeding (if desired). Cut back plants after flowering to maintain a tidy appearance.
• Division: Divide clumps every few years in spring or fall to rejuvenate plants and propagate new ones.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally, pest and disease-resistant. Slugs and snails may occasionally feed on the foliage. Powdery mildew can sometimes be a problem in humid conditions with poor air circulation.

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Caryophyllales
• Family: Caryophyllaceae (Pink family)
• Genus: Silene

Morphology

• Roots: Fibrous or taproots, depending on the species.
• Stems: Erect, ascending, or decumbent (trailing), often sticky or hairy.
• Leaves: Opposite, simple, entire (smooth-edged) or slightly toothed, often lanceolate to ovate.
• Flowers: Inflorescences are cymes (branched clusters) or solitary. Flowers are 5-petaled, often with a distinct calyx that may be inflated or ribbed.
• Fruit: A capsule containing numerous small seeds.

Popular Varieties

• Silene coronaria (Rose Campion): A short-lived perennial or biennial with magenta-pink flowers and silvery-gray foliage. Readily self-seeds. 'Alba' has white flowers.
• Silene dioica (Red Campion): A native wildflower with bright pink flowers. Prefers moist, partially shaded conditions.
• Silene uniflora (Sea Campion): A low-growing, mat-forming species with white or pink flowers and a distinctive inflated calyx. Tolerant of salt spray and suitable for coastal gardens. 'Druett's Variegated' has variegated foliage.
• Silene acaulis (Moss Campion): A very low-growing, cushion-forming species with tiny pink flowers. Ideal for rock gardens.
• Silene armeria (Sweet William Catchfly): An annual or short-lived perennial with clusters of bright pink flowers.
• Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion): Known for its inflated, bladder-like calyx. The flowers are white or pale pink.
• Silene 'Rolly's Favorite': A hybrid with a long bloom of salmon-pink flowers.
• Silene flos-jovis (Flower-of-Jove): Grey-green foliage with magenta flowers.

Other Insights for Gardeners

• Self-Seeding: Many Silene species self-seed readily, which can be desirable or undesirable depending on your garden design. Deadheading prevents self-seeding.
• Short-Lived Perennials: Some Silene are short-lived perennials, meaning they may only live for a few years. However, they often self-seed readily, ensuring their continued presence in the garden.
• Hybridization: Silene species readily hybridize, which can lead to interesting variations in flower color and form.
• Dioecious plants: Some species, like Silene dioica, have separate male and female plants.
• Not Truly Carnivorous: While the sticky stems can trap small insects, Silene are not considered truly carnivorous plants. They do not have specialized mechanisms for digesting the insects. The stickiness may be a defense mechanism against herbivores.

In conclusion, Silene offers a diverse range of plants with attractive flowers, interesting foliage, and often, a unique characteristic – their sticky stems. From low-growing rock garden gems to taller border perennials, there is likely a Silene to suit a variety of garden settings. Their adaptability, ease of care, and ability to attract pollinators make them valuable additions to the garden.