Silene acaulis

RHS Plant Profile
moss campion

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moss campion RHS

Other common names

dwarf catchfly, moss pink, cushion pink

Synonyms

Silene acaulis compact pink

Herbaceous Perennial
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An evergreen, compact, cushion-forming perennial to around 5cm high with tiny, linear, bright green leaves. Flowers borne in spring are pink, or occasionally white and often have notched petals

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
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
Northern Hemisphere

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or light shade. Resents winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed or from basal stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free