Red Campion
Silene dioica
Also listed as Melandrium dioicum, Lychnis dioica
Also known as Red Catchfly, Red Cockle
Climate Match for your location
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A charming cottage garden perennial with bright red-pink flowers and heart-shaped petals that bloom over a long season. It self-seeds readily and attracts pollinators, making it excellent for informal borders and woodland edges.
Why grow it
Red campion offers a reliable source of nectar and pollen for a range of pollinators over an extended bloom period, making it useful for supporting beneficial insects in gardens and edges. Compared to other Silene species, it tolerates partial shade well and establishes readily from seed, which can reduce propagation effort in informal plantings. Its preference for moist, well-draining soil and moderate fertility distinguishes it from some campion relatives that thrive in leaner conditions.
Watch out for
Red campion can self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, potentially appearing in unexpected garden locations over successive years. Male and female flowers appear on separate plants, so establishing both sexes may be necessary if reliable seed production is desired. In areas with heavy clay soils or poor drainage, plants are more prone to fungal issues, particularly in humid seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native Range
Northern and Central Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A charming cottage garden perennial with bright red-pink flowers and heart-shaped petals that bloom over a long season. It self-seeds readily and attracts pollinators, making it excellent for informal borders and woodland edges.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Red Campion grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Red campion offers a reliable source of nectar and pollen for a range of pollinators over an extended bloom period, making it useful for supporting beneficial insects in gardens and edges. Compared to other Silene species, it tolerates partial shade well and establishes readily from seed, which can reduce propagation effort in informal plantings. Its preference for moist, well-draining soil and moderate fertility distinguishes it from some campion relatives that thrive in leaner conditions.
Watch out for
Red campion can self-seed prolifically in favorable conditions, potentially appearing in unexpected garden locations over successive years. Male and female flowers appear on separate plants, so establishing both sexes may be necessary if reliable seed production is desired. In areas with heavy clay soils or poor drainage, plants are more prone to fungal issues, particularly in humid seasons.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native Range
Northern and Central Europe
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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