Adonis Catchfly
silene armeria
Also known as: ["Adonis Catchfly","Maiden's Blood"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial with delicate pink or white flowers, native to Europe and parts of Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Silene |
| Botanical Name: | Silene armeria |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a sunny spot
- 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; can tolerate poor soils but thrives with enrichment.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Light pruning after flowering; occasional shaping as needed throughout the growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or spent flowers and shaping the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun to prevent scorching; adjust placement based on indoor/outdoor conditions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plants for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter intense sunlight; provide shade during peak summer hours.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with organic matter for better structure; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Prefers cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler nights but avoids extreme heat.
Monitor temperature fluctuations; adjust watering and light exposure accordingly; protect from frost in cooler climates.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize sparingly to avoid overfeeding; apply fertilizer to moist soil to prevent root burn; stop fertilizing when flowering begins.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch stem cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Keep humid and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also be propagated in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 2–4 weeks; plants may take 2–3 months to establish fully.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining soil mix, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity around cuttings; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; trim back leggy stems to encourage branching; remove any damaged or diseased growth.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.
Tools
Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased parts; shape as desired.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor and growth.
Checklist
Choose the right pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water after repotting; place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize evaporation and fungal growth; allow excess water to drain away to prevent waterlogging.
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 soil is loose and airy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in excessive heat; slow growth or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow growth and cause leaf discoloration; prolonged cold may lead to root damage or death.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; move potted plants indoors or to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause wilting, leaf burn, and reduced flowering; may lead to dehydration and stress.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding; water after fertilizing.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; apply every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume Silene armeria. The plant's saponins can irritate the digestive tract, leading to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Silene armeria may cause mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. While not life-threatening, symptoms can be uncomfortable for the animal.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicSilene armeria contains saponins and other compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested. The plant is not typically considered highly toxic to humans, but consumption may lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Silene armeria toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How often should I water Silene armeria?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Silene armeria attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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