Rose campion (Silene coronaria)
Care, watering, light and tips for Rose campion on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Partial shade
- Temperature: 10–30 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Rose campion
Silene coronaria, commonly known as Rose Campion, is an ornamental perennial valued for its vibrant magenta or pure white flowers that beautifully contrast with its velvety, silvery foliage. Its upright habit and attractive color make it ideal for garden borders, rockeries, or as a focal point in pots, adding a touch of color and texture. It is a hardy plant that integrates well into cottage or naturalistic garden styles.
Native range
Europe and temperate Asia
Care tips
It prefers full sun exposure for abundant flowering, though it tolerates some partial shade in very hot climates. Watering should be moderate; it is drought-tolerant once established, so it's crucial to avoid waterlogging, which can rot its roots. It requires well-drained soil, preferably sandy or gravelly, and a common mistake is planting it in heavy, damp soils. Deadheading spent flowers will prolong the blooming period.
How to save a dying Rose campion
- Warning signs
- Yellow, soft basal leaves, drooping or blackened stems. Soft, dark roots.
- First aid
- Remove affected leaves and stems. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil. Water only when soil is dry.
- What kills it
- Overwatering. It's very sensitive to waterlogging, which quickly rots its roots.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly to address rot. Prune damaged parts and improve drainage.