Silene caroliniana aka Peatpink

Silene caroliniana is a perennial wildflower called wild pink or Carolina campion. It belongs to Caryophyllaceae, the family that includes carnations. Its native range covers the central and eastern United States. It grows in open, dry woods and on gravelly slopes. These sites often have sandy, acid soil. Florida lists this species as endangered within the state.

The plant forms a low mound and can make a groundcover. Garden plants reach about 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.3 metres] tall and wide. Its green leaves stay on the plant for part of winter. Most leaves grow at the base in narrow, lance-shaped tufts. Their edges are smooth, but their surfaces may bear hairs. Two to four pairs of smaller leaves grow along each stem. The green stems rise upward, branch little, and bear soft, sticky hairs.

Loose flower clusters appear from April to May. One plant may carry 50 to 100 blooms. The rose-pink flowers look much like those of phlox. Each has a tube that opens into five spreading, wedge-shaped petals. A green calyx holds the base of each flower. Ten stamens and three styles sit within each bloom. The flowers supply spring nectar for butterflies and other insect pollinators. Hummingbirds also visit them for nectar. Small capsules follow the flowers and remain from May to August. Each capsule opens through a toothed mouth to shed dark brown seeds. The seeds range from rounded to kidney-shaped.

Grow wild pink in full sun or partial shade. Some shade during the afternoon suits it well. It prefers acid to neutral soil with very good drainage. Sandy, gravelly, rocky, and loamy soils can suit it. Keep soil dry to moderately moist rather than wet. Established plants tolerate some drought and dry ground. Leave settled plants in place, since they dislike disturbance. The species grows in USDA hardiness zones 5–8. Gardeners can raise new plants from seed, cuttings, or division.

Its low form suits rock gardens and the front of borders. It also fits native, cottage, wildflower, and pollinator gardens. The spring blooms add color without hiding nearby low plants. Neither insect pests nor diseases cause major problems in most plantings. Wet ground and poor drainage can lead to root rot. Avoid heavy, wet soil for this reason.