perennial

White Campion

Silene latifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Silene latifolia is a short-lived perennial or biennial herb that forms a basal rosette of softly hairy, gray-green foliage before sending up erect, branched stems with swollen nodes. The species is dioecious, bearing deeply notched white flowers with inflated, balloon-like green calyxes that open in the evening to emit a light fragrance.

This species is distinguished by its highly inflated, 10- to 20-veined calyx and its evening-blooming habit adapted for moth pollination. Because male and female flowers occur on separate plants, isolated specimens will not produce viable seed.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces deeply notched white flowers that open in the evening, releasing a light fragrance.

Possesses a deep taproot that helps stabilize sandy or gravelly soils.

Attracts nocturnal moths and long-tongued bees to the evening-opening flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

40"

Width

24"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Short-lived perennial

Native To

Europe, Western Asia, Northern Africa

Toxicity

Mildly toxic to livestock if ingested in large quantities; can cause minor skin irritation.

Bloom period

Late spring – Fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Sow seeds directly into well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil in full sun to partial shade during early spring.
Water moderately until the fleshy taproot establishes, after which the plant exhibits reliable drought tolerance.
Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote weak, leggy stem growth at the expense of flowers.
Monitor for aphids and spider mites, and ensure the soil remains free-draining to prevent root rot.

Pro Tip

Cut back spent flowering stems immediately after the main bloom period to prevent aggressive self-seeding and keep the plant from becoming a nuisance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Deadhead spent blooms to control self-seeding in home gardens.
Grow in poor, sandy, or gravelly soils to maintain a compact growth habit.
Wear gloves when handling the foliage if you have sensitive skin.

Don't

Do not overwater or plant in heavy clay soils where water pools.
Do not apply heavy fertilizer, as rich soils cause the stems to flop.
Do not expect isolated single plants to produce viable seeds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Wildflower gardensRock gardensMeadow plantingsGravel gardens

Companion Plants

Phlox caroliniana Achillea millefolium

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

White Campion questions

What zones can White Campion grow in?

White 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 White Campion deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse White Campion, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does White Campion bloom?

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

Does White Campion need full sun?

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

Is White Campion drought tolerant?

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