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French catchfly

Silene gallica · Caryophyllaceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

Ideal time to plant french catchfly: 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
Blooming
Spring to summer (April-July)
Adult size
15 to 40 cm in height
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Very hardy (-15 °C)
Origin
Mediterranean region and Southern Europe
Soil type
Light, well-drained, poor to moderate soil

Care

Exposure

Place your French catchfly in direct sunlight, ideally for at least 6 hours per day. It tolerates partial shade as well, but flowering will be less abundant. Avoid overly shaded spots to maintain a compact and floriferous plant.

Watering

Water moderately during the growing season, letting the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Once established, this plant is very drought-tolerant and requires little water. Avoid excess moisture, especially in winter.

Soil and drainage

Choose light, well-drained and rather poor soil. Over-enriching it promotes foliage at the expense of flowers. A mix with sand or pebbles will improve drainage and suits this Mediterranean species perfectly.

Fertilizer

Apply little fertilizer: light balanced feeding in spring is more than enough. Excess nitrogen risks elongating the stems at the expense of flowering. This plant prefers poor soils and thrives in them.

Pruning and cleanup

Lightly pinch back young shoots in spring to encourage branching. Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage prolonged blooming. At the end of the season, eliminate any dried or misshapen parts.

Diseases and pests

French catchfly is generally very robust. Watch for excessive moisture, which can promote root rot or fungal issues. Ensure good air circulation around the plant and avoid overhead watering. Pests are rare on this hardy species.

Did you know?

Silene gallica is traditionally called "Pink Flytrap" or "Catchfly" because of the viscous glands present on its stems, which stick slightly to fingers and small insects. These sticky secretions are actually a natural adaptation to discourage small non-pollinating herbivores. This plant has long adorned rustic Mediterranean gardens and dry rockeries, appreciated for its ease of cultivation and delicate blooms.

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.