red campion
Silene dioica
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry or moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Red campion (Silene dioica) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and low maintenance planting. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. Butterflies and bees visit the flowers. It blooms in spring, summer, and autumn, and it tolerates drought once settled in.
Pairs well with Excelsior Group foxglove, Cow parsley, and Casa Blanca lily.
Native range
Europe, Africa, Føroyar, and NW. Balkan Pen..