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Silene vulgaris (Bladder Campion)

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

Silene vulgaris, Bladder Campion, Common Bladder Catchfly, Cowbell, Maiden's Tears, White flowers, Drought tolerant plants
Silene vulgaris, Bladder Campion, Common Bladder Catchfly, Cowbell, Maiden's Tears, White flowers, Drought tolerant plants

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.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Caryophyllaceae
Genus Silene
Common names Cowbell, Catchy
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" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs 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 Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
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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 virginica (Fire Pink)
Silene caroliniana (Wild Pink)

Recommended Companion Plants

Digitalis purpurea ‘Camelot White’ (Common Foxglove)
Stachys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears)
Hyacinthoides non-scripta (English Bluebells)

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 - 7
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Caryophyllaceae
Genus Silene
Common names Cowbell, Catchy
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" (50cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs 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 Prairie and Meadow, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
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Silene (Campion)
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