How to Grow Red Campion: A Guide for Beginners
What is Red Campion?
Red campion (Silene dioica) is a beautiful perennial flower that is native to Europe. It is a member of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae) and is related to other popular flowers such as dianthus and gypsophila. Red campion is known for its vivid five-petalled pink flowers that bloom in May and June.
Growing Red Campion
Red campion is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow in a variety of conditions. It prefers moist but well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade. You can sow seeds in spring or autumn, or simply let the plant spread by self-seeding.
Identifying Red Campion
Red campion is a herbaceous perennial that typically grows to around 1m in height. It has downy stems and hairy leaves that grow in opposite pairs. The flowers are pinky-red with five deeply-forked petals that are joined at the base.
Benefits of Red Campion
Red campion is a valuable plant for wildlife. Its flowers are a favorite of bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. The caterpillars of several moth species also feed on the plant.
Where to Grow Red Campion
Red campion is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of settings, including woodland areas, wildlife gardens, and damp wildflower meadows. It also looks beautiful when grown alongside other meadow and woodland flowers.
Planting and Care
Plant red campion in spring or autumn in well-prepared, weed-free soil. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. You can cut back the plants after flowering to encourage new flushes of flowers.
Propagation
Red campion can be propagated by sowing seeds or by division. To sow seeds, sprinkle them on the surface of moist soil and keep them in a warm, sunny place. To divide plants, lift them from the ground in spring or early autumn and split them into smaller sections.
Pests and Diseases
Red campion is not generally affected by pests and diseases. However, the flowers can sometimes be infected with a smut fungus. This fungus does not usually cause serious damage to the plants.
Conclusion
Red campion is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that is a valuable addition to any garden. Its flowers are a favorite of wildlife, and it can be used to create a variety of different garden styles.
