Silene dioica
red campion
- 9cm pot
- £7.99
- In stock (delivery within 2-3 working days)
- 3 × 9cm pots
- £18.99 £6.33 each
- In stock (delivery within 2-3 working days)
- 6 × 9cm pots
- £34.99 £5.83 each
- In stock (delivery within 2-3 working days)
- approx 100 seeds
- £2.49
- In stock (delivery within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
- Standard £5.99
- Position: partial shade
- Soil: moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: May and July
- Hardiness: fully hardy
A dainty native wildflower with rose-pink flowers on upright stems in late spring and early summer. Red campion is perfect for naturalising in partially shady areas of a moist wildflower meadow or woodland edge. Commonly found growing in woods and hedgerows, in former times the pounded seed of Silene dioica was used to treat snake bite.
Once planted out, Silene prefers a spot in full sun with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first season while plants establish. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as they can cause root rot.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, or leave some seed heads if you want it to self-seed. Tall stems may benefit from staking in exposed spots to prevent flopping. Cut back spent growth in autumn or early spring.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, or leave some seed heads if you want it to self-seed. Tall stems may benefit from staking in exposed spots to prevent flopping. Cut back spent growth in autumn or early spring.
Sow indoors from late winter to early spring (February to April) at around 18-21°C (64-70°F) in trays of moist seed compost. Sow the seeds thinly on the surface and lightly press them in, but don’t cover, as light aids germination. Keep the compost moist but not wet.
Germination typically takes 2–3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them on individually and grow on in cooler conditions. Harden off before planting out after the last frost. Alternatively, sow direct outdoors in late spring, in finely prepared soil. Thin seedlings to final spacing once established.
Germination typically takes 2–3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them on individually and grow on in cooler conditions. Harden off before planting out after the last frost. Alternatively, sow direct outdoors in late spring, in finely prepared soil. Thin seedlings to final spacing once established.
