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Herbaceous Perennial

Silene banksia 'Molten Lava'

campion 'Molten Lava'

A compact short-lived perennial, to around 25cm high, with green leaves strongly flushed with purple-bronze. Clusters of bright orange-red flowers with notched petals are produced from mid to late summer

Synonyms
Lychnis 'Molten Lava'
Lychnis × haageana 'Molten Lava'
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Bronze Purple
Summer Orange Red Green Bronze Purple
Autumn Green Bronze Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun; will tolerate light shade but foliage colour is better in sun

Propagation

Propagate by seed, by division of established clumps, or by basal softwood cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to encourage further flowers

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs, aphids and cuckoo spit

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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