cardinal catchfly
Silene laciniata
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Red
- Foliage color
- 3-6(-8) cm x 15-30 mm. (webref 3).
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Cardinal catchfly (Silene laciniata) is a perennial for borders, woodland gardens, and low maintenance plantings. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Its slender stems lean on nearby plants, and its brilliant red tubular flowers have five jagged petals. Hummingbirds and butterflies visit the blooms. You can cut the stems back just after flowering to encourage new growth later.
Pairs well with Western columbine, Shenandoah switchgrass, and Autumn moor grass.
Native range
AZ, CA, NM, and TX.