Silene armeria (Garden Catchfly)

Beautify your garden with Silene armeria (Garden Catchfly), a lovely perennial plant with eye-catching rounded clusters of bright pink flowers in mid or late summer. Native to Europe, Catchfly has escaped gardens and naturalized in most of the US. The common name ‘Catchfly’ is derived from the sticky stems of the plant which may catch small insects.

• Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 6-9 in across (15-22 cm) on upright stems clad with oval silver-green leaves. While a perennial plant, catchfly is often grown as an annual.
• Pest-free and low maintenance, this eye-catching beauty is also drought tolerant (once established).
• Prefers full sun in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Afternoon shade tolerated. Excellent drainage is essential and sandy or gravelly soils are favored by this plant. Garden Catchfly doesn’t perform well in hot and humid summer areas.
• Ideal for bed and borders, cottage gardens, rock gardens, meadows and containers.
• Sow seeds outdoors in fall or 3 weeks before last frost date in spring. Seeds may also be started indoors 8-10 weeks prior to the last spring frost date.
• Will self seed in satisfying growing conditions.
• Native to Europe, Silene armeria has become widespread in the United States.
• Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
• Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.