Plants in genus silene
Silene virginica
Silene virginica, commonly known as Fire Pink, is a striking wildflower with brilliant red blooms. This small perennial is native to central and eastern North America and is often found in wildflower and rock gardens. Its lance-shaped leaves and sticky stems support flowers that are about 2 inches in diameter. The plant is endangered in several states, including Wisconsin and Florida, and is primarily pollinated by the ruby-throated hummingbird. Fire Pink thrives in well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant, making it a resilient choice for gardens. It forms a basal rosette of glossy green foliage and produces 12-inch stalks with reddish-orange flowers in June. The plant prefers partial sun to light shade and requires space to grow effectively.
Silene chalcedonica
Silene chalcedonica is an upright perennial with willowy stems and clusters of striking red flowers. It requires staking or support from other plants due to its less sturdy nature. This plant is suitable for mixing in borders and thrives in sunny locations.
Silene regia
Silene regia, commonly known as Royal Catchfly, is a striking perennial herb native to the tallgrass prairies of the American Midwest. It features bright red flowers that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies. This plant grows from a basal rosette, with flowering stems reaching heights of 2.5 to 4 feet. It thrives in full to part sun and prefers well-drained soils. Unfortunately, it is threatened by habitat loss and fire suppression. The vibrant blooms appear in June and July, making it a summer spectacle. As a rare native plant, it plays a crucial role in supporting local pollinators.
Silene ovata
Silene ovata, also known as Blue Ridge catchfly, is a perennial with white fringed flowers and large opposite leaves. It blooms from June to September and is native to the southeastern United States. This plant thrives in dry to mesic forests and is listed as vulnerable and globally rare.
Silene subciliata
Silene subciliata is a rare plant endemic to east Texas and west Louisiana, featuring an evergreen basal rosette of glossy green leaves. It produces scarlet red star-shaped flowers from July until fall on a central stalk up to 4 feet tall.
Silene caroliniana 'Bubble Gum'
Silene caroliniana 'Bubble Gum' features small rosettes of narrow green leaves and bubble-gum pink flowers. It thrives in well-drained sites and is attractive to butterflies.
Silene sieboldii
Silene sieboldii is a perennial plant known for its bright orange-red flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. It forms short rosettes of olive-green leaves with purple backs and produces 1-foot tall spikes of flowers. This plant thrives in sunny locations and can rebloom into fall with good moisture. Its vibrant color and unique foliage make it a striking addition to gardens.
Silene coronaria
Silene coronaria is a perennial that overwinters as a light grey basal rosette, with leaves expanding in spring. It produces quarter-sized flowers that emerge white and turn soft pink, reseeding liberally around the garden.
Silene 'Longwood'
Silene 'Longwood' is a cross of Silene polypetala and Silene caroliniana, forming a 4-inch tall by 12-inch wide clump. It features small, glossy green leaves and five-petaled, fringed pink flowers in late April and May. This plant grows best in full sun to dappled shade and requires well-drained soil, making it a charming addition to rock gardens.
Silene coronaria 'Orange Gnome'
Silene coronaria 'Orange Gnome' is a short-lived perennial with brilliant orange-scarlet flowers that last nearly eight weeks. It is deer resistant and attracts hummingbirds, featuring compact purplish bronze foliage and swollen seed pods after flowering.
Silene virginica 'Emma's Blush'
Silene virginica 'Emma's Blush' is a perennial known for its light pink, dianthus-like flowers that bloom on 15-inch tall sprays in May. It features small green rosettes and thrives in well-drained, dry soil. This plant is suitable for sunny locations and is known for attracting butterflies, making it a charming addition to gardens in USDA zones 3a to 8b.
Silene virginica 'Jackson Valentine'
Silene virginica 'Jackson Valentine' is a compact plant with a basal rosette of linear green leaves. It produces 1-foot tall stalks of starry-shaped coral-red flowers in midsummer. Found on Salt Mountain near Jackson, Alabama, this plant is suitable for sunny locations and adds a vibrant splash of color to gardens. Its unique flower shape and color make it a standout feature in any landscape.
Silene regia 'Prairie Fire'
Silene regia 'Prairie Fire' is a prairie native plant known for its vibrant reddish-orange, star-shaped flowers. It grows up to 4 feet tall and is a favorite among hummingbirds. This plant excels in dry, sunny sites and is vegetatively propagated. Its deciduous basal rosettes and striking flower color make it a standout in any garden. 'Prairie Fire' is ideal for xeriscaping and adds a splash of color to sunny borders.
Silene dioica 'Rays Golden'
Silene dioica 'Rays Golden' is a common European meadow perennial known for its 2-foot wide clumps of golden foliage and small pink flowers from April to June. This easy-to-grow plant thrives in damp alkaline soils and is a relative of dianthus.
Silene 'Rockin Robin'
Silene 'Rockin Robin' is a hybrid plant with dark green basal rosettes and distinctive salmon pink flowers. It grows up to 1 foot tall and blooms from late spring into October. This plant requires good drainage and is known for its unique 'ragged' flower appearance, making it a charming addition to rock gardens.