Alphabetical Plant Listing

Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion)

Bladder Campion, Common Bladder Catchfly, Cowbell, Maiden's Tears


Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion) is an upright, semi-evergreen perennial with upright stems clad with lanceolate leaves, 3 in. long (7 cm), that are stalkless and nearly clasping. Blooming for months from late spring to late summer, lax sprays of white flowers, 1 in. across (2.5 cm), are borne in small clusters at the tips of branching stems and rise above the foliage. Each blossom is adorned with 5 deeply notched white petals and an inflated, prominently veined, pale green to dull pink calyx. Rich in pollen, they attract butterflies and other pollinating insects. This perennial wildflower is short-lived but will freely self seed in optimum growing conditions. Undemanding, Bladder Campion is a great addition to meadows, open woodland areas or naturalized areas. It also makes a nice rock garden specimen and looks great at the front of borders.

  • Grows up to 12-18 in. tall and wide (30-45 cm).
  • Pest and disease free and low maintenance, this eye-catching beauty is also drought tolerant (once established).
  • Thrives in full sun to part shade in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Excellent drainage is essential and sandy or gravelly soils or light loams are favored by this plant. Best in partly sunny sites with afternoon shade.
  • Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn.
  • Native to Europe, northwestern Africa, Asia.

Not sure which Silene - Campions to pick?
Compare All Silene - Campions

Buy Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion)

Requirements

Hardiness 4 – 7
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" (45cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Buy Plants

Guides with Silene - Campions


Peter Fleming, Lcrms 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 4 – 7
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" (45cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Semi-Evergreen
Native Plants United Kingdom
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Beds and Borders
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

Guides with Silene - Campions

Plant Calculator

How many Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.