perennial

Catesby's Catchfly

Silene catesbyi

The Story

Plant Bio

Silene catesbyi, also known as Catesby's Catchfly, is a low-growing perennial wildflower featuring lance-shaped leaves and large, showy, fringed pink flowers.

This species is noted for its striking, deeply fringed petals and its preference for sandy, well-drained soils in pine woodlands. It is a southeastern US native.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides charming pink blooms mid-summer, attracting pollinators and adding color to borders.

Drought tolerant once established, requires minimal watering.

Supports local pollinator populations with nectar-rich flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

8 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeastern USA

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in early spring.
Water lightly to keep soil moist during germination.
Place in full sun for best flowering results.
Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart after they establish.
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Deadhead to prolong flowering
Mulch to retain soil moisture

Don't

Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
Use heavy clay soil without amendment
Neglect pruning after flowering

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Pink-flowered border plantRock garden accent

Companion Plants

Lavender Sedum Coreopsis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Catesby's Catchfly questions

What zones can Catesby's Catchfly grow in?

Catesby's Catchfly is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Catesby's Catchfly deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Catesby's Catchfly, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Catesby's Catchfly bloom?

Catesby's Catchfly typically blooms in late spring to summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Catesby's Catchfly need full sun?

Catesby's Catchfly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Catesby's Catchfly drought tolerant?

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