Wild Pink
Silene caroliniana 'Short and Sweet'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average garden humidity
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Silene caroliniana, commonly known as Carolina campion or wild pink, is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial native to eastern and central North America. It features semi-evergreen, lance-shaped leaves and produces clusters of notched, five-petaled, pink flowers in mid to late spring. This cultivar, Short and Sweet, is distinguished by its compact size and abundant, early-season blooms, making it an excellent choice for border edges and rock gardens.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring
- Water gently, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged
- Place in full sun for optimal flowering
- Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding after emergence
- Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Divide clumps every 2–3 years in early spring
Pro Tip
Ensure soil drains well to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms
- Apply a light spring fertilizer
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Overwater, causing root rot ❌
- Use heavy, clay soil without amendment ❌
- Neglect pruning after flowering ❌
- Allow soil to become waterlogged ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| 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
Wild Pink questions
What zones can Wild Pink grow in?
Wild Pink is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Wild Pink deer resistant?
Yes — Wild Pink is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Wild Pink bloom?
Wild Pink typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Wild Pink need full sun?
Wild Pink does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Wild Pink drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Wild Pink handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Silene to compare
Red Campion
Silene dioica
Fire Pink
Silene virginica 'Jackson Valentine'
Royal Catchfly
Silene regia 'Prairie Fire'
Fire Pink
Silene virginica 'Fire Pinks'
Short and Sweet Wild Pinks
Silene caroliniana 'Short Sweet'
Hybrid Catchfly
Silene x hybrida 'Longwood'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Wild Pink 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.
