Silene vulgaris
Silene vulgaris
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Pl. 77C4 — Silene vulgaris
Silene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgarisSilene vulgaris
IOverview
Overview
Silene vulgaris, commonly known as campion, is a hardy perennial found across Europe and Asia, from the British Isles to Siberia and the Himalayas. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH of 7–7.5, making it adaptable to various habitats. Native to regions like Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria, campion is known for its edible leaves and shoots, which can be consumed raw or cooked. Its distinctive features include a height of about 0.6 meters and a width of 0.45 meters, with a light energy rating of 8/10, indicating it prefers partial shade to full sun.
Quick answers
What is Silene vulgaris?
Silene vulgaris, commonly known as campion, is a hardy perennial found across Europe and Asia, from the British Isles to Siberia and the Himalayas. This plant thrives in moist, light (sandy) to medium soil with a pH of 7–7.5, making it adaptable to various habitats.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Silene vulgaris thrives in light to moderately moist conditions and prefers well-draining soils that are slightly alkaline (pH 7-7.5). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of zones 5-9. This perennial grows up to 0.6 meters tall and 0.45 meters wide, making it suitable for garden beds or borders. For best results, plant Silene vulgaris in light (sandy) or medium soils. It can be propagated through seeds or division. The edible parts include leaves and shoots, which are often used in culinary applications.
Light
8/10
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.6 m × 0.45 m
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Silene vulgaris for the first time
8steps
Start with Silene vulgaris as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A small packet of Silene vulgaris seeds or young plants, a trowel, and some compost.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in early fall for best results.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare soil that is well-draining with a pH of 7-7.5, ensuring it's light (sandy) to medium.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost has passed, or start young plants indoors and transplant them later.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells and deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any leggy growth in early spring to maintain a neat appearance. Remove dead leaves as needed throughout the growing season.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and neglecting to prune can all lead to poor plant health.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesShoots
Edible uses: The leaves and shoots of Silene vulgaris are edible. Typically, they are used fresh in salads or cooked as a green vegetable. The plant thrives in light to medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, making it adaptable to various growing conditions.
Other uses:Soap
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 30 native
Europe16 regions
native (16)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandRussiaSpainUnited Kingdom
Asia3 regions
native (3)AfghanistanChinaIran
Africa2 regions
native (2)AlgeriaEgypt
Broader regions
native:Altay, Amur, Baltic States, Buryatiya, Chita, East Aegean Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 77c4724a-5e26-4878-a9ff-25fd1e51ef0c
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