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Silene virginica (Fire Pink)

Fire Pink, Cliff Pink, Scarlet Catchfly

Silene virginica, Fire Pink, Cliff Pink, Red flowers, Drought tolerant plants
Silene virginica, Fire Pink, Cliff Pink, Red flowers, Drought tolerant plants

Glowing like embers, Silene virginica (Fire Pink) is a showy clump-forming perennial boasting long, lance-shaped, opposite leaves and brilliant clusters of scarlet red flowers. Blooming profusely from mid-spring to early summer, each flower, 2 in. across (5 cm), features five thin petals cleft at the tip, and sticky sepals. They are borne in loose clusters at the top of slender sticky stems. Rich in pollen, they attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This wildflower is short-lived, although it may self-sow in optimum growing conditions. It is an excellent accent plant for a shaded rock garden and a great addition to wildflower gardens, native plant gardens, woodland gardens, or cottage gardens.

  • Grows up to 12-18 in. tall (30-45 cm) and 10-18 in. across (25-45 cm).
  • Pest and disease-free and low maintenance, this eye-catching beauty is also drought tolerant (once established).
  • Thrives in part shade in moderately fertile, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Excellent drainage is essential and sandy or gravelly soils or light loams are favored by this plant. Tolerates full sun but best in partly sunny sites with afternoon shade.
  • Great for beds and borders, cottage gardens, or prairies and meadows.
  • Propagate by seed or cuttings. Divide mature plants in late fall or early spring by removing outer rosettes. 
  • Native to eastern North America.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Caryophyllaceae
Genus Silene
Common names Catchy
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 10" - 2'
(25cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Maryland, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Alabama, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Silene laciniata (Cardinal Catchfly)
Silene stellata (Starry Campion)
Silene dioica (Red Campion)
Silene regia (Royal Catchfly)
Silene caroliniana (Wild Pink)
Silene uniflora (Sea Campion)

Recommended Companion Plants

Populus tremuloides (American Aspen)
Aquilegia canadensis (Canadian Columbine)
Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox)
Athyrium filix-femina (Lady Fern)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Native Plant Alternatives to Silene latifolia (White Campion)
Native Plant Alternatives to Silene armeria (Garden Catchfly)
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Caryophyllaceae
Genus Silene
Common names Catchy
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late)
Summer (Early)
Height 1' - 2'
(30cm - 60cm)
Spread 10" - 2'
(25cm - 60cm)
Spacing 18" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Maryland, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest, Northeast, Minnesota, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Ohio, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Alabama, Florida, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Oklahoma
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow, Informal and Cottage, Gravel and Rock Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Guides with
Silene (Campion)
Not sure which Silene (Campion) to pick?
Compare Now

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