Silene regia (Royal Catchfly)
Silene regia (Royal Catchfly) is a showy perennial forming bold clumps of lance-shaped, downy leaves from which emerge tall, slender stems bearing stunning clusters of 5-petaled, scarlet red flowers. Blooming profusely from mid to late summer, each flower, 2 in. across (5 cm), features a sticky calyx that can trap small insects, giving the plant its common name.
Silene regia (Royal Catchfly) is a showy perennial forming bold clumps of lance-shaped, downy leaves from which emerge tall, slender stems bearing stunning clusters of 5-petaled, scarlet red flowers. Blooming profusely from mid to late summer, each flower, 2 in. across (5 cm), features a sticky calyx that can trap small insects, giving the plant its common name. Rich in pollen, they attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This wildflower is a great addition to wildflower gardens, native plant gardens, woodland gardens or cottage gardens.
- Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall (90-120 cm) and 18-24 in. across (45-60 cm).
- Pest and disease free and low maintenance, this eye-catching beauty is also drought tolerant (once established).
- Thrives in full sun to part shade in moderately fertile, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Excellent drainage is essential and sandy or gravelly soils are favored by this plant. Best in partly sunny sites with afternoon shade.
- Great for beds and borders, cottage gardens or prairies and meadows.
- Propagate by seed.
- Native to central and southern United States.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 5 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Silene – Campions |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Late)Summer (Mid,Late) |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
| Spacing | 24″ (60cm) |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Southwest, Oklahoma |
| Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |