Silene regia aka Royal Catchfly

Silene regia, or royal catchfly, is a perennial wildflower. It belongs to the pink family, Caryophyllaceae. Its native range runs from Kansas to Ohio and Georgia. It grows in temperate parts of this range. In Missouri, it grows mainly in the Ozark region. There, it lives in open woods, woodland edges, and prairies. These sites have dry, rocky soil. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants form clumps and reach 3–4 feet [0.91–1.22 metres] tall. Their spread can reach 2 feet [0.61 metres]. The plant has an upright shape, though stems may lean. Its stems are long and slender rather than stout. Taller plants may need support to keep them upright. Each stem bears 10–20 pairs of leaves. The leaves have soft hairs and a narrow, lance-shaped outline. They can reach about 0.42 feet [0.13 metres] long.

Small flower clusters bring scarlet red colour in summer. Chicago Botanic Garden lists bloom from July through August. Each flower has five petals and spans about 0.17 feet [0.05 metres]. The petals have no notches at their tips. A sticky calyx surrounds the base of each flower. It can trap small insects, which explains the name catchfly. The flowers are showy and attract hummingbirds. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists the plant as attracting birds.

Grow royal catchfly in full sun or partial shade. It needs soil that drains well, with no lasting wetness. Sandy or gravelly ground suits it well. Average soil with dry to medium moisture also supports growth. The plant tolerates drought, dry soil, and shallow, rocky ground. Good drainage remains a key part of its care. Chicago Botanic Garden lists hardiness in USDA zones 4–7. This gives gardeners a useful guide to its cold tolerance.

Royal catchfly suits native plant beds and wildflower gardens. It also fits woodland gardens, cottage gardens, and mixed borders. Missouri Botanical Garden favours partly shaded sites for these uses. Its red blooms add summer colour above the leafy clump. It has no serious reported insect or disease problems. Missouri Botanical Garden rates its maintenance needs as medium. The supplied sources give no food or medicinal uses. They do not establish whether it is safe to eat.