Silene baccifera
berry catchfly
A sprawling perennial wildflower, with slender, spreading stems and narrowly oval-shaped, slightly hairy green leaves. Slightly nodding, bell-shaped flowers, with a pale green outer casing and narrow, divided white petals, are produced in summer. Flowers are followed by round black berries
Synonyms
Cucubalus bacciferBuy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow | Black | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- 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
- Temperate Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in moist but well-drained soil in part or dappled shade, but will tolerate a range of soils and positions. Ideal for woodland underplanting or wildflower meadows
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.