Some Native Silene for your Garden

As I sit here in a coffee shop on a gloomy day in early February, I'm imagining how exciting spring will be. As winter dredges onward and the days slowly lengthen, I can't help but picture my favorite plants in various stages of growth and bloom.

One such group that I'm getting acquainted with is the diverse genus Silene. Common names include campion and catchfly- because of the sticky nature of the flowers and stems. The genus is closely related to other ornamental perennials including soapwort and dianthus. After doing a quick google search, I've learned that they usually have 5 petals and swollen stem nodes. DISCLAIMER- I'm no botanist, and I don't really notice detail. Rather, I rely on a holistic or"gestalt" approach to identification, meaning I see the whole package and make my assessment based on a kind of subconscious "gut" feeling. This can't be taught, and I encourage people just to immerse themselves in nature and gardens and learn from direct experience.

Eastern North America is blessed with a rich array of Silene, species, which makes the genus particularly appealing to collectors like me. Some are groundcovers like Silene polypetala (syn. Silene catesbaei) and Silene caroliniana. While others like Silene regia and Silene subciliata are more upright perennials reaching 3 ft. tall. Unfortunately, they are uncommon in cultivation and can only be found in specialty or native plant nurseries.

Given my limited experience, I personally find them to be a little tricky to cultivate; however, if you know a little bit about how they grow in nature, you will have more success. Many people falsely assume that they are shade perennials. I guess because they are native. While many species are native to our deciduous woods, they seem to prefer certain niche environments. Species like Silene catesbaei (Fringed Campion) grows best under a deciduous canopy on moist slopes (with speckled sunshine). Other species are found in wet open areas or grasslands.

I've successfully grown Royal Catchfly (Silene regia) in a bright sunny spot for many years, and although it hasn't multiplied, it has reliably bloomed every year and produced copious seed. I also suspect the more common Silene virginica to be adaptable to at least half and half sun, or perhaps full-sun. As a general rule, many of our characteristically "woodland" plants will thrive in sunny spots if they have enough moisture. In the wild, this species seems to prefer acidic rocky environments, perhaps it doesn't thrive in extremely rich soils? Obviously, I still have a lot to learn!

Although I've tried Silene caroliniana 'Short and Sweet' multiple times, I've never managed to keep it alive. Perhaps if I tried genetics from a more southern population. According to the Plant Delights Website, this is a species that doesn't compete well with others. It would probably do best in an intensively managed rock garden or in a container by itself. Anyway, I'll keep trying I just love its creeping habit and soft pink flowers.