Silene

(Catchfly)Silene is a widespread genus of perennials native from Africa to America and from Mediterranean Europe to Asia. Silene is in the family Caryophyllaceae which makes it first cousin to other popular garden plants such as lychnis and dianthus.

Flowers in the genus silene typically range from pink-to-red, including several white-flowered species. They all attract butterflies and the red-flowered silene are also hummingbird favorites. Silene is generally a small plant, but there are exceptions.

Many silene plants are wood edge specimens suitable for an open garden spot or in a rock garden...as long as the soil is well-drained. Despite its dislike of wet feet when dormant, Silene will flower best if kept evenly watered during its growing season. When you're ready to buy silene for your perennial garden, we hope you'll check out our online offering of silene for sale.

Silene Trivia : The genus Silene is also known as Catchfly because the somewhat sticky leaves tend to trap insects. Silene is not a true carnivorous plant, but may be on the evolutionary path to someday becoming carnivorous like Sundew. To learn more, read our carnivorous plant article.