Silene stellata (Starry Campion)

Quite beautiful, Silene stellata (Starry Campion) is an erect, loosely branching perennial forming a clump of lance-shaped leaves in whorls of four and charming clusters of white, snowflake-like flowers with flaring, deeply fringed petals.

Quite beautiful, Silene stellata (Starry Campion) is an erect, loosely branching perennial forming a clump of lance-shaped leaves in whorls of four and charming clusters of white, snowflake-like flowers with flaring, deeply fringed petals. Blooming from late spring to late summer, the delicate flowers are borne atop tall slender stems. Rich in nectar, they attract butterflies and moths. Shade and drought tolerant, this wildflower makes a good addition to a wildflower garden. It is also a great choice for naturalizing in shade gardens and woodland gardens, where it will gently spread without being aggressive.

  • Grows up to 24-36 in. tall (60-90 cm) and 18-24 in. wide (60 cm). Will moderately self-sow where happy.
  • Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Excellent drainage is essential and dryish, sandy or clay soils are favored by this plant. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Great for cottage gardens, wildflower gardens, woodland gardens, prairies and meadows.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Propagate by seed or cuttings. Seeds can be sown outdoors immediately after collection or stored, pretreated and sown later. Divide mature plants in late fall or early spring.
  • Native to the central and eastern United States.

Requirements

Hardiness 5
– 8

Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Silene – Campions
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Northeast, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Clay Soil, Drought, Dry Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow