Spanish catchfly
Silene otites · Caryophyllaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant spanish catchfly: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- June to August
- Adult size
- 30 to 50 cm in height
- Growth
- Moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Central and Eastern Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, dry to moderately dry
Care
Exposure
Plant your Silene otites in full sun or light partial shade for optimal blooming. It tolerates sunny, sheltered locations very well. A sunny exposure promotes more compact growth and generous flowering.
Soil and substrate
Choose well-drained soil, even poor or rocky soil, and avoid waterlogged conditions. This plant appreciates dry to moderately dry soils and adapts well to chalky soils. Adding coarse sand improves drainage if your soil is too heavy.
Watering
Water moderately during the growing season, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Once established, Silene otites tolerates drought and requires little additional watering. In winter, reduce watering further.
Pruning and cleanup
Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage prolonged blooming. In late winter or early spring, remove any dead or frost-damaged growth. Light pruning maintains a more compact and elegant shape.
Fertilizer
Silene otites requires minimal fertilizing. Well-decomposed compost worked in during spring is more than sufficient. Avoid overly rich fertilizers that promote foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
This plant is generally very hardy and rarely troubled by problems. Watch for excessive moisture that could cause root rot. Good air circulation prevents fungal diseases.
Did you know?
Silene otites owes its scientific name 'otites' to its small basal leaves resembling ears. Traditionally used in popular phytotherapy in Central Europe, it once featured in medieval herb gardens as both an ornamental and medicinal plant with supposed soothing properties.
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.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Smooth rupturewortHerniaria glabra
- Rock soapwortSaponaria ocymoides
- Snow-in-summerCerastium tomentosum
- Sticky CatchflyViscaria vulgaris
- Creeping baby's breathGypsophila repens
- Mountain sandwortArenaria montana
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.