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Silene schafta
  • RHS AGM

autumn catchfly

S. schafta is a mat-forming semi-evergreen perennial to 25cm, with bright green lance-shaped leaves and purplish-pink flowers 2cm across, with reddish tubular calyces, borne in small clusters on erect stems from late summer

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink Purple Green
Autumn Pink Purple Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Semi 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
Caucasus

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun or light shade. Suitable for rock garden, scree bed or alpine house. Resents winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Coastal
  • Rock garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to powdery mildews

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