Description
Silene dioica | Red Catchfly ‘Rays Golden’
Native to the North American grasslands, the Silene plant, which is also known as English Maiden, Campion and Catchfly, is renowned for its colorful, early summer blossoms. Catchfly plants typically bloom in shades of pink, magenta, white, and red. The Red Catchfly, or Red Campion plant featured has flowers that are bright pink in color. The ‘Rays Golden’ variety has brighter golden-yellow leaves that are sticky, Although the sticky substance doesn’t actually attract files, it can trap small insects. The name “catchfly” and the associated meaning of “snare” stems from this feature. Flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies.
Catchfly plants make a great addition to container plantings, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, rock gardens, woodland edges, clearings, hedgerows, orchards, and curbside planting areas. They are an ideal plant for most any landscape, since they have a natural ability to withstand dry conditions. Prefers full sun.
Biennial or short-lived perennial that will reseed readily, so will reliably pop up each spring, in addition to existing plants, and will persist through late summer. If deadheaded, they will rebloom.
Red Catchfly has a practical use too. When simmered, its roots make a soap substitute.
Type: Biennial, perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: 18-24 inches
Mature width: 18-24 inches
Hardiness zones: 5-9
