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Rose campion

Silene coronaria · Caryophyllaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant rose campion: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.

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ID card

Foliage
Deciduous, grayish and downy
Flowering
June to September, striking magenta flowers
Mature size
24 to 31 inches tall × 16 to 20 inches wide
Growth
Moderate to fast
Hardiness
Very hardy, down to 5 °F
Exposure
Full sun ideally
Origin
Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia

Care

Exposure

Plant your rose campion in full sun, at least 6 hours per day, to get abundant blooms and intense colors. It tolerates partial shade but will flower less generously. Avoid overly humid and poorly ventilated areas.

Watering

Water regularly when planting and during active growth, then moderately once established, as it tolerates drought well. In very hot summers, weekly watering is usually sufficient. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.

Soil

Choose well-draining soil, even poor or stony, since excess moisture promotes rot. A light compost amendment at planting is enough. This plant adapts to many soil types, including chalky ones.

Pruning and cleanup

Deadhead regularly to extend flowering. In late autumn or early winter, cut stems back to ground level. This pruning encourages compact growth and better branching the following spring.

Fertilizing

Light fertilizing in spring is sufficient, with balanced fertilizer or bone meal. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers. An established plant in good soil generally needs no additional feeding.

Diseases and pests

Generally unaffected if drainage is good. Watch for root rot from excess moisture and aphids during mild springs. Excellent resistance to common garden diseases.

Did you know?

Rose campion owes its name to the crown of pink sepals surrounding its flower, which is shaped like a crown. Its vibrant magenta petals long served as a natural pigment for textile dyes in the Mediterranean region, and it remains a highly prized plant among English gardeners since the 19th century for its spectacular colors.

Where to buy it

Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.