Silene dioica
| Silene dioica | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 6 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Cross Pollinated | |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Mid Summer |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Silene dioica (common name: red campion)
Propagation: Seed - sow early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
If you have sufficient seed it can be sown outdoors in situ during the spring.
Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found it best to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in a lightly shaded position in a cold frame, planting them out once they are well established in the summer.
Cultivation: Prefers a well-drained nitrogen-rich soil in light shade[1][2]. Succeeds in any position that is not hot and dry[3].
Hardy to about -25°c[3].
Hybridizes readily with S. latifolia[1].
Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[3].
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
Range: Most of Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and W. Asia.
Habitat: Woods, hedgerows and ledges of cliffs, usually on limestone[1].
Usage: The root is used as a soap substitute for washing clothes etc[4][5]. The soap is obtained by simmering the root in hot water.
Pollinators: Bees, flies
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Early Summer-Late Summer
Flower Type: Dioecious
Known Hazards: Although no mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it does contain saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking
Also Known As: Lychnis dioica. L. diurna. Melandrium dioica. M. rubrum.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Clapham, Arthur and Tom Tootin, Edmund Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press, 1962.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Uphof, Johannes. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim, 1959.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.