Silene flos-jovis

RHS Plant Profile
flower of Jove
flower of Jove RHS 2002

Other common names

agrostemma, Jupiter's flower, umbelled lychnis

Synonyms

Lychnis flos-jovis
Agrostemma flos-jovis

Award of Garden Merit
Alpine Rockery Herbaceous Perennial

A perennial to 60cm in height, forming a mat of grey-hairy leaves with usually upright stems bearing clusters of rounded red, pink or white flowers 2.5cm across, with slightly notched and reflexed petals, in early to late summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

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

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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
European Alps

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed or basal cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free