White campion (Silene latifolia)
White campion (Silene latifolia) 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 White campion (Silene latifolia).
This plant has several common names including: white campion, bull rattle, cow rattle, white cockle or white robin.
This is a semi-evergreen plant that takes 2-5 years to reach full maturity.
In this article
Plant profile
Common name: white campion, bull rattle, cow rattle, white cockle, white robin
Scientific name: Silene latifolia
Plant type: Perennials
Habit: Columnar / Upright
Height: 50cm – 1.5m
Spread: 10cm – 50cm
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Sunlight: Full Sun, Partial shade
Soil: Chalk, Sand
Moisture: Moist but well drained, Well drained
Garden type: Informal Garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife Gardens
Planting type: Flower borders and bedding, Low Maintenance
Seasonal colors
| Season | Stem | Foliage | Flower | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
How to plant White campion (Silene latifolia) – Ioannis Nicolis, 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 White campion (Silene latifolia), know its needs in terms of soil, watering and sun exposure.
Soil
White campion (Silene latifolia) is a plant that prefers to grow in chalk 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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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.
It is not very sensitive to soil acidity or alkalinity and grows well in soils with pH acid, alkaline or neutral.
Regarding drainage, Silene latifolia likes to grow in moist but well drained or well drained soils.
Sunlight
White campion (Silene latifolia) is a plant that should be grown in full sun or partial shade positions.
Cultivation profiles – Growing White campion (Silene latifolia) – Robert Flogaus-Faust, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
