Silene dioica aka Red Campion

Taxonomy ID: 12633

Silene dioica, also known as red campion or red catchfly, is a herbaceous flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to central, western, and northern Europe, and can be found locally in southern Europe. This plant has also been introduced in Iceland, Canada, the US, and Argentina. Red campion is a pretty, low-maintenance perennial that forms clumps of spoon-shaped, downy leaves and tall, rich green stems bearing delicate pink flowers. These flowers, which attract bees and butterflies, bloom profusely from late spring to early summer and sporadically until fall. However, the female flowers, borne on separate plants, are followed by seed capsules that can be poisonous. Despite this, red campion makes a good addition to a rockery and is a great plant for a moist wildflower meadow. As a houseplant, red campion is not challenging to grow and requires regular watering and direct light. It prefers well-draining soil and should be repotted each time it doubles in size, with no need for added fertilizers.

Common names

Red Campion

More information about Red Campion

How difficult is it to take care of Red Campion

With its straightforward care requirements, Red Campion is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

What are the water needs for Red Campion

Red Campion should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Red Campion

Red Campion loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Red Campion

To ensure optimal growth, the Red Campion prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

How to fertilize Red Campion

The Red Campion should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Is Red Campion toxic to humans/pets?

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

More info:
Wikipedia