Silene Seeds 'Red Campion'

• Clusters of pink flowers in spring and early summer
• Happy in part shade
• Perennial wildflower
• Popular with bumblebees

An easy-to-grow native perennial wildflower, red campion (Silene dioica) produces clusters of pretty pink flowers on tall stems in spring and early summer. The flowers are especially attractive to bumblebees, and this woodland plant is ideal for wildlife-friendly gardens, growing happily in light shade.

Sow outdoors

Sow in trays of pre-watered seed compost and cover lightly. Keep in a cold frame or unheated greenhouse and allow 3-4 weeks for germination. Alternatively, sow directly into the final position in April to May, in a sunny or partially shaded spot in well-prepared soil and lightly cover with a little more soil.

Grow on

When large enough to handle. transplant into 8cm pots. Slowly acclimatise to outdoor conditions before planting out after frosts.

Plant out

Choose a sunny spot in any well-drained soil. Plant approximately 30cm apart.

Tips

This will self-seed readily, so deadhead if you do not want this to happen.