Autumn catchfly (Silene schafta)
Autumn catchfly (Silene schafta) is that can grow 10cm – 50cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Autumn catchfly (Silene schafta).
This plant is commonly known as autumn catchfly.
This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: autumn catchfly
Scientific name: Silene schafta
Habit: Mat forming
Height: 10cm – 50cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Coastal, Patio & Container Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden
Other characteristics: RHS Award of Garden Merit
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Autumn catchfly (Silene schafta) – Michael Wolf, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Other types of Silene to consider:
See all Silene
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Autumn catchfly (Silene schafta), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Autumn catchfly (Silene schafta) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.
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The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.
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The loam soil is dark, rich in organic matter but balanced in minerals. It offers the best of all worlds, retaining enough water for the plants, but allowing excess moisture to drain away. This is the most desired type of garden soil, perfect for most plants.
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Sandy soil is light, porous and very easy to drain. It is a soil poor in organic matter and nutrients. It is composed of relatively large mineral particles that allow water to drain quickly.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Silene schafta likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Autumn catchfly (Silene schafta) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Autumn catchfly (Silene schafta) – Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
