perennial

Flower of Jove

Silene flos-jovis

The Story

Plant Bio

Silene flos-jovis, commonly known as the flower of Jove, is a mat-forming alpine perennial native to the mountainous regions of central Europe. It forms dense rosettes of woolly, gray-green leaves covered in fine hairs, providing a soft, textured ground cover even when not in bloom.

In summer, the plant produces dense clusters of bright pink to purple-red flowers with deeply notched petals held on upright, sticky stems. The woolly foliage and vibrant blossoms make it a distinctive choice for sharply drained rock gardens and alpine troughs.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking contrast with its silver-gray, woolly foliage and vibrant pink summer blossoms, making it ideal for rockeries and troughs.

Offers excellent drought tolerance once established and serves as an effective, low-growing ground cover for dry, lean soils.

Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden with its nectar-rich, summer-blooming flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Low to Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Europe

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun that receives at least six hours of direct daily sunlight.
Amend the planting area with grit, gravel, or coarse sand to ensure rapid drainage, avoiding rich loams or heavy clays.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, set the plant so the crown sits slightly above the soil line, and backfill.
Water moderately to settle the soil, then limit watering to periods of active growth, allowing the soil to dry completely between applications.

Pro Tip

Plant in lean, gritty, exceptionally well-drained media under full sun; excess soil nutrients or trapped winter moisture will rapidly rot the crown.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Cut back spent flowering stems after the summer bloom to tidy the clump and encourage neat basal rosettes.
Ensure excellent air circulation around the foliage to prevent fungal issues in humid climates.
Grow in lean, rocky, or sandy soils to maintain a compact, sturdy growth habit.

Don't

Do not over-fertilize, as rich soils cause weak, leggy growth and reduce the plant's lifespan.
Do not plant in heavy clay or low-lying areas where water collects, which triggers fatal root rot.
Avoid overhead watering; wet foliage combined with stagnant air encourages powdery mildew.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Pest Check
Propagate
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock GardenBorder EdgingContainer FriendlyCottage Garden Classic

Companion Plants

Campanula carpatica Saxifraga paniculata Sedum album

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Flower of Jove questions

What zones can Flower of Jove grow in?

Flower of Jove 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 Flower of Jove deer resistant?

Yes — Flower of Jove is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Flower of Jove bloom?

Flower of Jove typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Flower of Jove need full sun?

Flower of Jove does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Flower of Jove drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Flower of Jove handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.