Silene armeria
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Silene armeria

Sweet William silene · Sweet-William campion · Sweet-William catchfly · None-so-pretty · Garden catchfly

Tier 1 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
5–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 3–9
Click count
471
Observations
764

Description

Source: leafsnap

Silene armeria, commonly known as the Sweet William catchfly, is a species of plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. Originally a native of Europe, it has become widespread in the United States. Perennial in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 to 8. A small-growing form is known as dwarf catchfly. The name comes from the way in which small insects are trapped by the sticky sap exuded onto the stem. However it is not currently regarded as a carnivorous plant, though it has been identified as a carnivorous plant in the past.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Sweet William Catchfly thrives in well-drained soils and prefers environments with moderate moisture. It also has a degree of drought resistance. For optimal growth, water the plant every 1-2 weeks, ensuring the soil dries out slightly between each watering. Although primarily grown outdoors, Sweet William Catchfly adapts well to seasonal changes and benefits from natural rainfall patterns.

☀️ Light Full sun

Sweet William catchfly flourishes with unobstructed exposure to sunlight, a preference linked to its natural growing environment. This sunlight exposure is essential for healthy development during the various stages of growth. Excessive sun can scorch the leaves, while inadequate light may impair its vital functions.

Ideal: Full sun
FAQ
What are the sunlight requirements for Sweet William catchfly?

Sweet William catchfly (Silene armeria) thrives in various sunlight conditions. For full sun exposure, it requires above 6 hours of sunlight daily. If it's in partial sun, about 3-6 hours of sunlight is sufficient. It's important to observe how sunlight moves through your garden to find spots that offer the right balance of light and shade. This ensures your plants get the right amount of light they need to be happy and healthy.

What should I watch for when placing Sweet William catchfly in my garden regarding sunlight?

When placing Sweet William catchfly in your garden, it's crucial to watch how sunlight moves across the area throughout the day. This observation helps you choose the best spots that provide the ideal balance of light and shade for your plants. By doing so, you can ensure their happiness and wellbeing by catering to their specific sunlight requirements.

🌡️ Temperature 5–35°C

Sweet william catchfly can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, though its distribution can still be restricted by particular combinations of moisture and heat. It does best in warm summer conditions with enough rainfall or watering. Long periods of cloudy, rainy weather or extended high temperatures increase the risk of the plant dying. In winter, shielding it from the cold can enhance its chances of survival.

Ideal temperature: 5–35°C
FAQ
What is the botanical name of Sweet William catchfly?

The botanical name of Sweet William catchfly is Silene armeria. This plant is known for its distinctive appearance and is a popular choice for gardeners looking for vibrant color.

💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

When Sweet william catchfly has opened most of its blooms to full size, it's time to resume fertilizing. At about the peak of bloom production, begin fertilizing again once every three to four weeks, weather permitting. Then, when Sweet william catchfly starts producing fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there's no need to fertilize once the plant can no longer produce more blooms.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

Sweet William catchfly boasts striking pink flowers and thrives when properly cared for. To ensure its health and beauty, follow these maintenance steps: 1. Prune the plant from early to late spring. 2. Regularly deadhead the flowers to extend the blooming period. 3. Trim back any damaged stems to encourage bushier growth. These practices help improve air circulation, reduce the risk of disease, and enhance flowering, contributing to a healthy and vibrant garden.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual, Perennial
Genus
Silene
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Hardiness Zone
3-9
Mature Height
20 cm to 61 cm
Mature Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
2.03 cm to 3.05 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring
Harvest Time
Mid summer
Native Area
Turkey, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Ukraine, Serbia, Russia, Lithuania, Hungary, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Albania, Romania, France

Tags (3)

Common Names (10)

en Sweet William silene
en Sweet-William campion
en Sweet-William catchfly
en None-so-pretty
en Garden catchfly
en Lobel's Catchfly
en None So Pretty
en Thrift Catchfly
en Campion
en Garden campion