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, Pink Campion, Red Catchfly, Red CockleMore 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
Red Campion requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Red Cockle is always in the right place to thrive.
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.
About Ploi
Ploi is a free plant care app rated 4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play. It offers adaptive watering reminders that learn from real care habits, AI-powered plant identification, care guides for thousands of species, photo journals, comprehensive activity tracking, home screen widgets, dark mode, and multi-location plant organization. Ploi is available on iOS, Android and web at no cost.
