The Story
Plant Bio
A perennial wildflower known for its striking red flowers and ability to thrive in dry conditions.
Native to the southeastern United States, it is notable for being a rare wildflower, attracting various pollinators.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Transplant seedlings when they are sturdy, after 6 weeks.
- Water consistently, avoiding waterlogging.
- Fertilize monthly with a balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- Prune dead or damaged stems in late winter.
Pro Tip
Use well-drained, slightly alkaline soil for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to shape after flowering
- Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t disturb roots during flowering
- Never fertilize with high nitrogen during dormancy
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Royal Catchfly questions
What zones can Royal Catchfly grow in?
Royal Catchfly is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Royal Catchfly deer resistant?
Yes — Royal Catchfly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Royal Catchfly bloom?
Royal Catchfly typically blooms in mid-summer through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Royal Catchfly need full sun?
Royal Catchfly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Royal Catchfly drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Royal Catchfly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Silene to compare
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Silene virginica 'Fire Pinks'
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Silene dioica
Jackson Valentine Fire Pink
Silene virginica 'Jackson Valentine'
Wild Pink
Silene caroliniana 'Short and Sweet'
Prairie Fire Royal Catchfly
Silene regia 'Prairie Fire'
Short and Sweet Wild Pinks
Silene caroliniana 'Short Sweet'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Royal Catchfly with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.