Sweet William Catchfly

(Silene armeria)

Sweet William Catchfly (Silene armeria)

/

return to results
Previous Plant Next Plant

/

Silene armeria image
scroll forward scroll backward
scroll forward scroll backward
Estimated Native Range
Species Map Help

Summary

Silene armeria, commonly known as Sweet William Catchfly, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to open woodlands and grassy fields in Europe and North Africa. It typically grows between 20 and 70 cm tall and is characterized by its lance-shaped leaves and clusters of vibrant pink or lavender flowers that bloom in summer. The flowers are arranged somewhat openly or compactly at the end of stems and are known for their sticky stems that can trap small insects, although it is not considered a carnivorous plant. The common name "dwarf catchfly" refers to smaller cultivars of this species.

Sweet William Catchfly is appreciated for its showy flowers and ease of maintenance, making it a popular choice for borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires low to medium amounts of water, preferring well-drained soils. While it is not a demanding plant, it can self-seed prolifically under favorable conditions, which has led to it being potentially invasive in some regions, such as the United States. Gardeners should be cautious and check local regulations before planting it outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • Width: 0.5-0.8 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

native to open woodlands and grassy fields in Europe and North Africa

Other Names

Common Names:

Scientific Names: , Silene armeria, Saponaria glutinosa, Saponaria zapaterii, Bootia glutinosa,

GBIF Accepted Name: Saponaria glutinosa M.Bieb.