Silene dioica

RHS Plant Profile
red campion

Other common names

adder's flower, devil's flower, hare's eye, mother-die, poor robin, ragged Jack, red lychnis, robins, white soapwort, soldiers

Synonyms

Melandrium rubrum
Lychnis dioica
Lychnis diurna
Lychnis preslii minor
Lychnis sylvestris
Silene diurna
Silene rubra
Melandrium sylvestre

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

A short-lived perennial tbears its male and female flowers on separate plants. Plants form clumps of downy leaves from which emerge flowering stems up to 1m in height. Flowering is mainly in late spring. Flowers have five deeply notched, pink petals. Seed capsules have toothed edges as they open to disperse ripe seed on female plants

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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
Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Occurs naturally on well-drained, moderately fertile soils. Dislikes waterlogging so is rarely found on heavy clay. A flower of hedgerows and semi-shaded places

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free