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Annual BiennialHerbaceous Perennial

Silene coronaria
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

rose campion

A biennial or short-lived native perennial to 80cm tall, with silvery-grey felted leaves and lax sprays of long-stalked, vivid rose-purple flowers 3cm across in late summer

Other common names
Bridget-in-her-bravery
corn rose
see morecrown of the field
dusty miller
garland flower
mullein pink
pink mullein
red bird's eye
campion
rose cockle
Synonyms
Lychnis coronaria
Agrostemma tomentosum hort.
see moreAgrostemma coronaria

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver
Summer Purple Grey Silver
Autumn Grey Silver
Winter Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
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
SE Europe,Asia

How to grow

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Prairie planting
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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