Royal Catchfly
Silene regia 'Prairie Fire'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Central and Eastern United States
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Silene regia, commonly known as Royal Catchfly, is an upright perennial featuring brilliant scarlet-red, star-shaped flowers in summer. Its lance-shaped, green leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem. Notable for its intensely colored red flowers, which are a magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies. It is one of the few true red native wildflowers in its range.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into well-drained soil in early spring.
- Water gently to keep soil moist during germination.
- Place in full sun for optimal flowering.
- Thin seedlings to 12 inches apart after emergence.
- Fertilize lightly with balanced fertilizer in spring.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom.
Pro Tip
Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water sparingly once established 🌱
- Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization with high nitrogen
- Do not disturb roots during dormancy
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Stake |
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?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Royal Catchfly, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Royal Catchfly bloom?
Royal Catchfly typically blooms in mid-summer through late fall. 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
Red Campion
Silene dioica
Fire Pink
Silene virginica 'Jackson Valentine'
Wild Pink
Silene caroliniana 'Short and Sweet'
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
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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.
