There are almost 900 species in the Silene genus most found in the Northern Hemisphere. Commonly many species are often called Campions or catchflies.
Catchfly
We commonly call Silene armeria, Catchfly. It isn’t a carnivorous plant. but it produces a sticky substance that flies and other bugs can get stuck on. This variety is also called by other names including None-so-pretty, Sweet William Catchfly, and Campion. These flowers grow in a mounding habit with endless clusters of blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It’s a good choice for that area that doesn’t get full sun.
Catchfly has its roots in Europe and is a perennial, but is mostly grown as an annual. These flowers are easy to grow and not too picky about soil. They will often self-seed in some zones. For some in N. America, it can reseed too freely–in Alaska, it’s listed as invasive, but not prohibited. Please check with your county co-op if you’re an Alaska resident before ordering.
Other Interesting or Semi-Interesting Things About This Plant
Became available to US gardeners in the 1820s.
It’s sometimes referred to as Lobel’s Catchfly after Flemish doctor and botanist Matthias de Lobel.
Specifications & Growing Information
- Latin: Silene armeria
- Annual
- Prefers: Full sun/part sun
- Plant time: Spring (Fall in some zones)
- Seeds need light to germinate
- Stratification: Optional-2 weeks of cold can be beneficial
- Germination: 15-24 days at approx. 68F
- Height: 1 to 2 ft
- Deadhead spent blooms before they form seed can extend flowering
Sow indoors just before your area’s last frost. Or sow directly outdoors before or after your last frost. Plant in weed free soil without covering as they need light for germination.
Maltese Cross
These flowers have a lot of common names including Jerusalem Cross, Flower of Bristol, Dusty Salmon, Scarlet lychnis, Nonesuch, Dusty Salmon, Scarlet Campion, and Knights Cross, just to name a few.
Native to a few regions of Northern China, Russia, and various other Asian countries they’ve become naturalized in other parts of the world including North America. The story is that these flowers were introduced to Europe by members of the Knights Templar. That’s what some people like to believe…even though it doesn’t make much sense when you look up the details. Debbie Downer? A little…
They’re a long-time popular choice for cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, and anyone who wants to feed hummingbirds. On top of that, they’re drought tolerant, low maintenance, relatively disease and pest-resistant, and have long-lasting blooms. The only issue that seems common is the blooms being short-lived in poorly drained soil.
Other Interesting or Semi-Interesting Things About This Plant
In 2002 it was voted the county flower of Bristol.
It’s non-toxic but contains saponin which can potentially cause red blood cells to rupture.
Specifications & Growing Information
- Latin: Silene chalcedonica
- Perennial/Biennial in zones 3-8
- Stratification? Yes. Please read below.
- Germination in 28-36 days at 60-72 F
- H: 2 to 4 FT
- Sow in Spring/Fall/Winter
- Sun to part shade
- Bloom Time: Summer
Drought tolerant once they are established
Sow indoors 5-8 weeks before your area’s last frost. Sow outdoors in Fall to let the seeds stratify themselves. If planting in early Spring they germinate when chilled for at least 8 weeks in your fridge. Sometimes mixing them with moist sand in a ziplock bag placed in the fridge can increase germination. If planting in Spring these flowers may not bloom until the following year.
- Self-seeding in most zones
- Deadheading encourages more blooms
Rose Campion
Rose Campion is considered a Lychnis (Lychnis coronaria) but is often called a Silene (Silene coronaria). Lychnis is from the Greek word for lamp and given the name because they glow in the dark. Kidding. They don’t glow but the word is they got the name because the leaves were used as candle wicks …which I can’t verify but that story is all over the internet. Could be true or it could be an old wives’ tale type thing. Anyway, the flowers from this plant are extremely bright.
This is an old-fashioned plant used often in cottage gardens. Two of it’s trademarks is o trademarks is it’s velvet-like grayish silver foliage and magenta flowers–although you can find a white flowering cultivar. It prefers poor & dry soils. Once established this is very low maintenance and pretty much insect-free.
Other Interesting or Semi-Interesting Things About This Plant
It’s got many common names like Dusty Miller and Corn Rose and weird names like Bridgette-in-her-Bravery and Bloody William.
Rose Campion is native to southern Europe.
Specifications & Growing Information
- Latin: Lychnis coronaria
- Biennial/perennial in zones 4-10
- Full Sun/Part Shade
- Height: 2 ft
- Stratification: Yes (Cold 4-10 weeks)
- Needs light to germinate
- Germination: 10-24 days at 65-70 degrees
Sow indoors 5-8 weeks before your area’s last frost. Sow outdoors in Fall to let the seeds stratify themselves. If planting in early Spring they germinate when chilled for at least 8 weeks in your fridge. Sometimes mixing them with moist sand in a ziplock bag placed in the fridge can increase germination. If planting in Spring these flowers may not bloom until the following year. Please see Stratification & Germination: A Lame Kind of Witchcraft
- Drought tolerant once established
- Can be winter sown/Started indoors
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