1 named cultivar

‘Atrosanguinea’Rose Campion

perennial

Rose Campion

Silene coronaria

The Story

Plant Bio

Silene coronaria is an erect, clump-forming, short-lived perennial or biennial distinguished by its dense, silver-grey, woolly foliage. In summer, branching stems rise above the soft, felted basal rosettes to bear open clusters of vivid, long-stalked flowers.

The intense magenta or rose-pink blossoms contrast sharply against the white-woolly stems and leaves. The thick, hairy indumentum serves as a natural defense, making the plant highly resistant to deer and rabbit browsing.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking textural contrast with its soft, silver-grey foliage and intense magenta flowers.

Highly drought-tolerant and naturally resistant to deer and rabbit browsing due to its woolly leaf texture.

Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds seeking nectar from the tubular flower bases.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

18"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial / Biennial

Native To

Southeastern Europe, central and southwestern Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (hairs may cause mild skin irritation)

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with lean, sandy, or rocky soil that drains rapidly.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant the crown level with the surrounding soil surface.
Water sparingly to establish the root system, then withhold supplemental watering except during prolonged dry spells.
Allow spent flowers to drop seed if you wish to maintain a permanent colony, as individual plants are short-lived.

Pro Tip

Provide exceptionally sharp winter drainage; wet winter soils will quickly rot the crown and root system of this drought-tolerant species.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Deadhead spent flower stems immediately after the primary summer bloom to prolong flowering.
Ensure the soil pH remains neutral to alkaline for optimal growth.
Clean up the silver basal rosettes in early spring to remove dead or damaged winter foliage.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers, as this species thrives in lean, low-nutrient soils.
Do not disturb the established taproot once the plant is settled in the garden.

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

Cottage GardensRock GardensGravel GardensDry BordersCut Flower Gardens

Companion Plants

Lavandula angustifolia Salvia nemorosa Achillea millefolium Nepeta faassenii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Rose Campion questions

What zones can Rose Campion grow in?

Rose Campion 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 Rose Campion deer resistant?

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

When does Rose Campion bloom?

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

Does Rose Campion need full sun?

Rose Campion does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Rose Campion drought tolerant?

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