annual

Striate Campion

The Story

Plant Bio

Silene conica is an erect, slender annual herb native to Eurasia, characterized by its grey-green, finely pubescent linear-lanceolate leaves. The small pink, purple, or white flowers are carried in loose terminal clusters, distinguished by prominent, 30-veined cylindrical calyces that swell as seeds mature.

This species is highly adapted to dry, sandy coastal dunes and calcareous soils where few other annuals persist. Its specialized ribbed calyx structure provides a distinct visual texture during the spring and summer blooming period.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides subtle texture in gravel or rock gardens with its heavily ribbed, inflated seed calyces.

Thrives in nutrient-poor, highly alkaline sands where other ornamental plants fail to establish.

Offers minor pollen and nectar resources for small native bees and generalist pollinating insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Annual

Height

10"

Width

Light

Full Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Eurasia

Toxicity

Skin irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun and exceptionally sharp-draining, sandy or gravelly soil.
Sow seeds directly onto the soil surface in fall or early spring, pressing them lightly into the substrate without burying them deeply.
Water sparingly during germination, then cease supplemental watering once seedlings establish.
Allow the plants to flower, set seed, and die back naturally to ensure self-sowing for the following season.

Pro Tip

Establish this species in poor, highly calcareous sand under full sun, ensuring absolute dryness at the root crown to prevent rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun and sharp, sandy drainage.
Allow the plant to set seed if naturalization is desired.
Keep the root crown dry to prevent fungal decay.

Don't

Do not apply fertilizers, as nutrient-rich soils cause leggy growth and rot.
Do not plant in heavy clay or poorly draining loam.
Do not overwater or crowd plants, which invites powdery mildew.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Rock gardensCoastal dune plantingsGravel gardensDry wildflower meadows

Companion Plants

Eschscholzia californica Plantago lanceolata Festuca rubra

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Striate Campion questions

What zones can Striate Campion grow in?

Striate 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.

When does Striate Campion bloom?

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

Does Striate Campion need full sun?

Striate Campion does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Striate Campion drought tolerant?

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