Rose Campion

(Silene coronaria)

Rose Campion (Silene coronaria)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Silene coronaria, commonly known as Rose Campion, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to open woodlands, rocky slopes, and scrub areas in Central and Southern Europe. It is semi-evergreen and typically grows to 80 cm (31 in) tall by 45 cm (18 in) wide. The plant is notable for its striking grey-green foliage that is densely felted, giving it a silvery appearance. From early to mid-summer, it produces a profusion of vivid magenta flowers, each with a distinctive coronet shape, which are highly showy and add a splash of color to the garden. The white-flowered cultivar ’Alba’ is also popular among gardeners for its contrasting bloom color.

Rose Campion is valued for its ease of maintenance and its ability to thrive in poor soils, making it a versatile choice for garden borders, rock gardens, and cottage gardens. It is drought-tolerant once established, requiring low amounts of water, and prefers well-drained soils. While it performs best in full sun, it can tolerate part shade. Rose Campion is known for its self-seeding habit, which allows it to naturalize in favorable conditions, though it is considered short-lived as an individual plant. The Royal Horticultural Society has recognized Silene coronaria and its cultivar ’Alba’ with the Award of Garden Merit for their outstanding qualities in cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1.5-2 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous

Growth Requirements

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

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, rocky slopes, and scrub areas in Southern Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Crown-Pink, Mullein-Pink, Dusty-Miller, Bloody William, Dusty Miller, Mullein Pink, Kronen-Lichtnelke, Vexiernelke, Coquelourde, Lychnide Coronaire

Scientific Names: , Lychnis coronaria, Silene coronaria, Agrostemma coronaria, Coronaria tomentosa, Coronaria coriacea, Lychnis coriacea, Agrostemma flos-jovis, Agrostemma grandiflora, Coronaria agrostemma

GBIF Accepted Name: Silene coronaria (L.) Clairv.