Silene latifolia (White Campion)
White Campion, Bull Rattle, Cow Rattle, White Cockle, White Robin, Evening Campion, Lychnis divaricata, Lychnis macrocarpa, Lychnis pratensis
Silene latifolia (White Campion) is an upright, semi-evergreen biennial or short-lived perennial with elliptic leaves and clusters of white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), slightly scented in the evening. Blooming from late spring to late summer, each blossom is adorned with 5 spreading petals partially cleft and an inflated, prominently veined, pale green calyx. Rich in pollen, they attract butterflies and other pollinating insects. This wildflower spreads by reseeding itself. Lovely when illuminated by a night light, White Campion is a great addition to mixed borders.
- Grows up to 2 ft. tall (60 cm) and 1-2 ft. wide (30-60 cm).
- Thrives in full sun or light shade in moderately fertile, well-drained soils. Excellent drainage is essential and sandy or gravelly soils are favored by this plant. Resents winter wet.
- Virtually pest free. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew.
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe or division of offsets when dormant.
- Native to Europe.
- Find where this species is invasive in the United States.
- Discover beautiful U.S. native plant alternatives.
Not sure which Silene - Campions to pick?
Compare All Silene - Campions
Buy Silene latifolia (White Campion)
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Silene - Campions |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |
Colin Michael Baker, Peter Fleming, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 5
– 9 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Silene - Campions |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Sand |
Soil pH | Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
Native Plants | United Kingdom |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |