Rose Campion
Silene coronaria
Alba
About this plant
Silene coronaria, commonly known as Rose Campion, is a striking perennial plant known for its bright magenta or white flowers and silvery-gray leaves. It is often grown in gardens for its colorful blooms and attractive foliage. The plant is drought-tolerant and thrives in sunny locations, making it a popular choice for borders and cottage gardens.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Silene
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Higher classification
- Order Caryophyllales
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Southern Europe
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated in temperate regions worldwide, originally native to southern Europe.
Care
- Light preference
- Full sun
- Suitable locations
- Outdoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 7–14 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- -30 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 15–25 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 4–8
- Soil pH
- 6.0–7.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Soil type
- well-draining loam or sandy soil
Watering. Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing. Feed Silene coronaria once in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can reduce flower production.
Silene coronaria is a hardy plant that grows well in sunny spots with well-drained soil. It tolerates dry conditions once established and requires minimal care. Overwatering or poor drainage can cause root problems, so water moderately and allow soil to dry between watering.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Seeds, Cuttings, Division
- Care difficulty
- Easy
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- Yes
- Flowering period
- late_spring–summer
Bright magenta or white flowers with velvety silvery-gray leaves create a striking contrast. The plant has a bushy form and soft texture.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Non-toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Non-toxic
- Weed potential
- Low spread
Non-toxic to humans and pets, making it safe to grow around children and animals.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Pollen, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- Moderate
Silene coronaria can produce pollen that may cause mild allergic reactions in sensitive people, especially during its flowering season. To reduce exposure, avoid handling the plant excessively when it is blooming and keep it away from indoor areas if you have pollen allergies.
Common problems
Common problems include root rot from overwatering and powdery mildew if air circulation is poor. It may also suffer from aphids or spider mites occasionally.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental plant for its colorful flowers and attractive foliage in gardens and borders.
Notes
Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent self-seeding if you want to control spread. It can be grown indoors near a sunny window but prefers outdoor conditions.