Also known as Campion · 699 saves
Silene
Silene, the genus most gardeners know as campion. We track 23 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 20 most-saved Silene varieties
Browse all 23 Silene varieties →
12 species of Silene
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Silene in Sow
Save the Silene you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Silene
Whats common across all Silene varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 23 most-grown of them.
The Silene year
- DeadheadJune–August78% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to maintain tidy appearance.
- Spring CleanupMarch and April61% of varieties
Cut back dead stems to the ground before new growth starts.
- PlantApril, May, October and November43% of varieties
Plant transplants in spring or sow seeds in fall.
- PropagateSeptember35% of varieties
Divide established clumps or sow seeds in spring or fall.
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Water during dry spells to keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering
What goes wrong with Silene
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Stippling or fine webbing on leaves under hot, dry conditions. | Increase ambient moisture or apply insecticidal soap if severe. |
| Deer and rabbits | Browsing of foliage and flower shoots. | Install physical fencing or apply repellents if browsing pressure is high. |
| Japanese Beetles | Skeletonized leaves and chewed flower buds. | Handpick beetles in the morning and drop them into soapy water. |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing, and collapse of the plant due to waterlogged, heavy soils. | Improve soil drainage, avoid overwatering, and plant in gritty, raised beds. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Apply neem oil or sulfur-based fungicide |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Use organic fungicide and improve air circulation |
Making more Silene
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Maintain soil moisture for 4-6 weeks until germination.
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Plant divisions at same depth and water thoroughly
Silene questions
How many types of Silene are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 23 distinct Silene varieties. The most popular — ranked by 699 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Silene grow in?
Across its varieties, Silene covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Silene bloom?
Most Silene varieties bloom in late spring, early summer, mid-summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Silene should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.