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.
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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 |
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 |