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Annual Biennial

Silene noctiflora
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

night-flowering catchfly

A wild flower of rough ground reaching 50cm. It has green leaves and pale pnk, cream or white fragrant flowers overnight in summer.

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Cream Pink White Green
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

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

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
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

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained but moisture-retentive soil in good light

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to Powdery mildews

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