Red Mountain Catchfly

Silene vulgaris subsp. vulgaris

Native to:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Austria, Baleares, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Is., China, Corse, Cyprus, Czechia-Slovakia, Denmark, East Aegean Is., Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krym, Kuril Is., Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Madeira, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, North Caucasus, Norway, NW. Balkan Pen., Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Sicilia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Tunisia, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe, Ukraine, United States, Uzbekistan

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Caryophyllaceae
Genus:
Silene
Species:
Silene vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
USDA Symbol:
SICA5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
white

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
butterflies, moths
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
poor, sandy, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
thrives in calcareous soils

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily at cool temperatures. Light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI