Red campion Silene dioica
Red campion (Silene dioica) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Caryophyllaceae family, native to Europe to western Siberia and Morocco. It grows 40–90 cm (16–35 in) tall and 25–40 cm (10–16 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Red campion at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Mature height | 40–90 cm (16–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 25–40 cm (10–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 3 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 28 °C (82 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe to western Siberia and Morocco |
| Common in gardens of | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇫🇷 France, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia |
Is Red campion toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: all parts
Contains saponins; eating it may upset the stomach.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Red campion
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Red campion
- How far apart should I plant Red campion?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 25–40 cm (10–16 in).
- Does Red campion need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 3 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Red campion need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Red campion?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Red campion flower?
- From about April for 9–14 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Red campion poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Contains saponins; eating it may upset the stomach.
- What grows well with Red campion?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Red campion. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Wildflowers and meadows, Plantlife (UK)
- RHS Find a Plant (plant profiles and growing guides), Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- The pink of British hedge banks and woodland edges in May, with cow parsley. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants, so both are needed for seed. Good for bees and for naturalising in a wild corner.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Sweet William Dianthus barbatus
- Carnation Dianthus caryophyllus
- China pink Dianthus chinensis
- Snow-in-summer Cerastium tomentosum
- Moss campion Silene acaulis
- Soapwort (bouncing bet) Saponaria officinalis
- Rock soapwort Saponaria ocymoides
- Creeping baby’s breath Gypsophila repens