Red campion (Silene dioica)
Red campion (Silene dioica) is a perennial plant that can grow 50cm – 1.5m tall and wide. In this growing guide we’ll learn the cultivation details and how to plant Red campion (Silene dioica).
This plant has several common names including: red campion, adder’s flower, devil’s flower, hare’s eye, mother-die, poor robin, ragged Jack, red lychnis, robins, soldiers or white soapwort.
This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: red campion, adder’s flower, devil’s flower, hare’s eye, mother-die, poor robin, ragged Jack, red lychnis, robins, soldiers, white soapwort
Scientific name: Silene dioica
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Bushy
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Loam, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Wildflower meadow, Wildlife Gardens
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant Red campion (Silene dioica) – Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, 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.
Other types of Silene to consider:
See all Silene
How to plant
In this section we will learn how to plant Red campion (Silene dioica), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
Red campion (Silene dioica) 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 pH.
Regarding drainage, Silene dioica likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
Red campion (Silene dioica) should be grown in partial shade places.
Cultivation profiles – Growing Red campion (Silene dioica) – Michel Langeveld, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
