Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris).
This plant has several common names including: bladder campion, common bladder catchfly, cowbell or maiden’s tears.
This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: bladder campion, common bladder catchfly, cowbell, maiden’s tears
Scientific name: Silene vulgaris
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden, Wildflower meadow
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris) – Benjamin Zwittnig, CC BY 2.5 SI, via Wikimedia Commons
Perennial plants are one of the largest groups of plants.
They offer color, shape, fragrance and seasonal textures. The variety is such that there are plants to suit all sizes and styles of garden.
Traditionally, perennials are grown in borders, using a wall or hedge as a backdrop to bring out all their splendor during summer.
But since most gardens are not large enough for long borders dedicated exclusively to perennials, they are usually planted in mixed borders and beds, along with shrubs, annuals, biennials, and bulbs that extend the season of interest.
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How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris) is a plant that prefers to grow in chalk or loam.
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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.
As for pH, it is a plant that grows ideally in soils with pH alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Silene vulgaris likes to grow in well drained soil.
Sunlight
Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris) – Milimidragan 92, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
