Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion)

Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion) is an upright, semi-evergreen perennial with upright stems clad with lanceolate leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm), that are stalkless and nearly clasping. Blooming for months from late spring to late summer, lax sprays of white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), are borne in small clusters at the tips of branching stems and rise above the foliage. Each blossom is adorned with 5 deeply notched white petals and an inflated, prominently veined, pale green to dull pink calyx. Rich in pollen, they attract butterflies and other pollinating insects. This perennial wildflower is short-lived but will freely self seed in optimum growing conditions. Undemanding, Bladder Campion is a great addition to meadows, open woodland areas or naturalized areas. It also makes a nice rock garden specimen and looks great at the front of borders.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 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 average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Excellent drainage is essential and sandy or gravelly soils or light loams are favored by this plant. Best in partly sunny sites with afternoon shade.
• Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
• Native to Europe, northwestern Africa, Asia.