fire pink
Silene virginica
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 18 inches tall9 to 18 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Red
- Foliage color
- Green. reddish green in winter.
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Fire pink (Silene virginica) is a perennial for borders, woodland gardens, rock gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Bright red, tubular flowers open in spring and again in summer. They attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and the seeds feed juncos and sparrows. Give it dappled light, since it does not do well in deep shade.
Pairs well with Creeping phlox, Christmas fern, and Standing Ovation little bluestem.
Native range
Eastern North America.