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(Silene suecica)
Red Alpine Catchfly (Silene suecica)
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Olivier Le Gall
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Olivier Le Gall
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Olivier Le Gall | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Attribution: Olivier Le Gall (cc-by-sa) | Rights Holder: Olivier Le Gall | Publisher: PlantNet | Date Created: 2018-07-27T22:00Z | Title: Viscaria alpina (L.) G.Don: flower | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Silene suecica, commonly known as Red Alpine Catchfly, is a deciduous perennial herb native to alpine and subarctic regions across Northern Europe, including Scandinavia, as well as the Russian Far East, Greenland, and the Northeastern Canadian tundra. It typically grows to a height of 10 to 40 cm (4 to 16 in) and features a small umbel inflorescence. The flowers emit a pleasant fragrance and bloom from June to August, showcasing a five-lobed, tubular calyx that is greenish-purple and a corolla with five pink, deeply notched petals, each 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) in diameter. The plant’s delicate appearance and fragrant flowers make it a charming addition to rock gardens and alpine collections.
Red Alpine Catchfly thrives in cool, moist conditions, reflecting its alpine origins. It is often used in rock gardens, alpine beds, and as an ornamental border in gardens that can simulate its native habitat. It requires full sun to part shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained soils to flourish. While it is not known for any significant problems or diseases, it may struggle in hot, dry climates or heavy, poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from excessive heat and should be planted in a location that mimics its cool, mountainous native environment.CC BY-SA 4.0
Red Alpine Catchfly thrives in cool, moist conditions, reflecting its alpine origins. It is often used in rock gardens, alpine beds, and as an ornamental border in gardens that can simulate its native habitat. It requires full sun to part shade, consistent moisture, and well-drained soils to flourish. While it is not known for any significant problems or diseases, it may struggle in hot, dry climates or heavy, poorly drained soils. Gardeners should be aware that it may require protection from excessive heat and should be planted in a location that mimics its cool, mountainous native environment.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: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Native to alpine and subarctic regions, including Scandinavia, the Russian Far East, Greenland, and the Northeastern Canadian tundra
Other Names
Common Names: Alpine Catchfly, Alpen-Pechnelke
Scientific Names: , Lychnis alpina, Silene suecica, Viscaria alpina, Lychnis alpina var. americana, Steris alpina, Silene alpina, Viscaria alpina subsp. americana, Lychnis alpina subsp. americana, Lychnis alpina var. alpina
GBIF Accepted Name: Silene suecica (Lodd.) Greuter & Burdet