Moss campion (Silene acaulis)

Moss campion (Silene acaulis) is a perennial plant that can grow up to 10cm tall and 10cm – 50cm wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Moss campion (Silene acaulis).

This plant has several common names including: moss campion, cushion pink, dwarf catchfly or moss pink.

This is a evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.

Plant profile

Common name: moss campion, cushion pink, dwarf catchfly, moss pink
Scientific name: Silene acaulis
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Mat forming
Height: Up to 10cm
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Well drained
Garden type: Patio & Container Garden, Rock & Gravel Garden

Seasonal colors

How to plant Moss campion (Silene acaulis) – No machine-readable author provided. Hermanhi assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0, 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.

How to plant

In this section we will learn how to plant Moss campion (Silene acaulis), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.

Soil

Moss campion (Silene acaulis) is not a demanding plant regarding the type of soil and can grow in chalk, loam or sand.

• The chalky soil is pale and contains chunks of calcium-rich rock. It is a fertile and well-draining soil, almost always alkaline.

• 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.

• 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 acaulis likes to grow in well drained soil.

Sunlight

Moss campion (Silene acaulis) should be grown in full sun places.

Cultivation profiles – Growing Moss campion (Silene acaulis) – Moss Campion (Silene acaulis), Keen of Hamar NNR by Mike Pennington, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons