Red Campion

silene dioica

Also known as: ["Red Campion","Ragged Sailor","Wild Pink"]

Family: Caryophyllaceae Genus: Silene Category: Flowers

Overview

A perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe, known for its vibrant red flowers and preference for moist, shaded habitats.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Silene
Botanical Name: Silene dioica

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • 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; tolerates slightly sandy or clay soils if well-drained.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; light pruning can be done every 2–3 months if needed.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil drainage or nutrient issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plants for even light exposure; use shade cloth in extreme heat; monitor for signs of sunburn.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-drained, moderately fertile, slightly alkaline soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure soil is not compacted; use mulch to retain moisture; avoid heavy clay soils without amendments.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–70°F (15–21°C); tolerates cooler nights.

Avoid placing near drafty windows; use a fan for air circulation in hot weather; protect from frost.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize sparingly to prevent leggy growth; apply after watering to avoid root burn; stop fertilizing in fall.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions 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 recommended to improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may take 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid overwatering.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy stems to just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.

Tools

Pruning shears, clean scissors.

Checklist

Use clean tools; prune dead or damaged stems; remove spent flowers.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up from the current pot; ensure good drainage holes.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for container-grown plants.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; ensure drainage; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat or cold.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to frost damage in freezing conditions.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid sudden temperature drops; ensure good air circulation.

Hot Stress

Leaves may wilt, turn yellow, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during the growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Silene dioica may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations. It can also be a sign of chlorosis, often caused by iron deficiency in alkaline soils.

Wilting in Silene dioica is typically caused by water stress, either due to drought or overwatering leading to root rot. It can also result from severe pest infestations or disease.

Leaf spots on Silene dioica are often caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, leading to reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if severe.

Rotting in Silene dioica is commonly associated with root or stem rot, often caused by fungal pathogens in waterlogged soils. This can lead to plant decline and death if not addressed.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Cats may experience mild gastrointestinal distress if they consume parts of Silene dioica. The saponins in the plant can irritate the digestive tract, leading to mild symptoms.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent cats from accessing the plant. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion is suspected.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

In dogs, ingestion of Silene dioica can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of saponins. The effects are typically not life-threatening but can cause discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep pets away from the plant. If ingestion occurs, consult a veterinarian.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Silene dioica contains saponins which can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation upon ingestion. The physiological impact is generally limited to discomfort rather than severe toxicity.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
roots leaves flowers
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consumption of any part of the plant. Wash hands after handling.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Silene dioica attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it is known to attract bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: Is Silene dioica toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: What are the common problems with growing Silene dioica?

A: Common issues include yellow leaves, wilting, and rotting.

Quick Reference
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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