Fire Pink
Silene virginica 'Jackson Valentine'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
8 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Silene virginica, commonly known as Fire Pink, is a perennial herbaceous plant with slender, upright stems, lance-shaped leaves, and striking scarlet-red, tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. The 'Jackson Valentine' cultivar is distinguished by its vibrant, deep-red flowers and its vigorous growth habit, making it a standout choice for attracting wildlife and adding bold color to garden borders.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Water regularly until established, about 4 weeks.
- Place in full sun for best flowering.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with balanced fertilizer.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Divide every 3 years in early spring for rejuvenation.
Pro Tip
Ensure well-draining soil to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during dry spells to keep soil moist 🌱
- Deadhead to prolong flowering period
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Overwater to avoid root rot ❌
- Use heavy clay soil without amendment
- Forget to prune after flowering
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| 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
Fire Pink questions
What zones can Fire Pink grow in?
Fire Pink 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 Fire Pink deer resistant?
Yes — Fire Pink is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Fire Pink bloom?
Fire Pink typically blooms in late spring through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Fire Pink need full sun?
Fire Pink does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Silene to compare
Red Campion
Silene dioica
Wild Pink
Silene caroliniana 'Short and Sweet'
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
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Fire 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.
