Night-flowering Catchfly
silene nutans
Also known as: ["Nutmeg Catchfly","Sundewwort"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with fragrant, white, nodding flowers that open at night.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Silene |
| Botanical Name: | Silene nutans |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, borders, or open meadows
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; light pruning as needed to remove dead or damaged growth.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday sun; provide dappled shade in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
Soil
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil dries between waterings; amend with organic matter for nutrients; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights.
Avoid sudden temperature shifts; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize lightly; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; stop in late autumn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadheading spent flowers; trimming back overgrown stems to a healthy bud.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; trim leggy stems; sanitize tools between cuts.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up (e.g., from 4-inch to 6-inch pot); ensure good drainage.
Method
Use fresh, well-draining soil; gently tease out crowded roots; place in a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for growth and flowering.
Checklist
Check root bound status; use fresh soil; ensure drainage holes; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid overhead watering.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, or stunted growth in excessive heat; leaf drop or dormancy in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Provide frost protection; avoid overwatering in cold; move to a sheltered location if possible.
Hot Stress
Causes wilting, leaf burn, and reduced flowering due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, and water deeply during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they consume parts of Silene nutans. The saponins in the plant can cause irritation to the digestive tract, though severe toxicity is rare.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Silene nutans can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. The effects are typically transient and resolve without long-term health consequences.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSilene nutans contains saponins which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to discomfort and is not considered life-threatening unless consumed in large quantities.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Silene nutans attract pollinators?
A: Yes, its fragrant flowers attract bees and moths, especially at night.
Q: Is Silene nutans suitable for shade?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.
Q: How often should Silene nutans be watered?
A: Water moderately, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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