Bladder Campion
Silene vulgaris
Also listed as Silene cucubalus, Oberna behen
Also known as Bladder Silene, Cowbell, Sculpit
Climate Match for your location
See how well Bladder Campion grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A delicate perennial wildflower with distinctive inflated, bladder-like sepals beneath small white flowers. Tolerates poor, dry soils and spreads readily, making it useful for naturalized areas and rocky sites.
Why grow it
Bladder campion establishes readily in poor, dry soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it a practical choice for rocky slopes, gravel gardens, and naturalized plantings. Its inflated sepals and delicate white flowers offer visual distinction compared to related Silene species. The plant's tolerance for minimal inputs and established drought performance align with low-maintenance perennial strategies used in extension-recommended xeriscape design.
Watch out for
Bladder campion self-seeds prolifically once established; deadheading spent flowers before seed set prevents unwanted volunteer seedlings in adjacent garden beds. In areas with consistent moisture, the plant may become leggy or prone to fungal issues, so ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native Range
Europe and Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A delicate perennial wildflower with distinctive inflated, bladder-like sepals beneath small white flowers. Tolerates poor, dry soils and spreads readily, making it useful for naturalized areas and rocky sites.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Bladder Campion grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Bladder campion establishes readily in poor, dry soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it a practical choice for rocky slopes, gravel gardens, and naturalized plantings. Its inflated sepals and delicate white flowers offer visual distinction compared to related Silene species. The plant's tolerance for minimal inputs and established drought performance align with low-maintenance perennial strategies used in extension-recommended xeriscape design.
Watch out for
Bladder campion self-seeds prolifically once established; deadheading spent flowers before seed set prevents unwanted volunteer seedlings in adjacent garden beds. In areas with consistent moisture, the plant may become leggy or prone to fungal issues, so ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native Range
Europe and Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.