Silene coronaria, the rose campion, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Asia and Europe. Other common names include dusty miller (this also refers to Centaurea cineraria and Jacobaea maritima), mullein-pink and bloody William. In the United Kingdom it is still widely referenced under its synonym Lychnis coronaria.The Latin coronaria means "used for garlands".It is a perennial growing to 80 cm (31 in) tall by 45 cm (18 in) wide, with grey felted leaves and single, bright magenta flowers produced in succession around July. Though short-lived, the plant readily self-seeds in favourable locations. It is sometimes grown as a biennial.
Rose campion is fairly resistant to disease and typically does not suffer from many illnesses. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. These problems are usually mild. In terms of care, this plant requires moderate maintenance. Regular pruning is needed to keep a neat appearance and support healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help encourage flowering. Rose campion is suitable for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Silene Coronaria.
Light
Rose campion grows best in places that get plenty of sunlight all day, although it can tolerate areas with less daily sun. The plant originates from and is adapted to habitats with high sun exposure. Both too little and too much sunlight can affect its healthy growth.
Water
Rose campion, native to the Mediterranean, thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate dry conditions. It needs to be watered weekly, but be careful not to overwater. It prefers balanced moisture, especially during its active growing season, to support vibrant flowering.
Humidity
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
Temperature
Rose campion originates from temperate areas and favors moderate temperatures, specifically 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 °C). Seasonal adjustments may be required to sustain optimal growth by mimicking the temperature conditions of its native climate.
Fertilizer
A single spring application of fertilizer is typically enough for Rose campion, though several feedings can help it grow more vigorously. Apply fertilizer every month to six weeks. Fertilizing improves the leaves' appearance and performance, encouraging even color and a healthy texture. It also promotes root development and nutrient uptake for the plant's long-term health.
Pruning
Rose campion is a perennial plant known for its vibrant magenta flowers and silvery leaves. To promote growth and encourage a second bloom, prune the plant in early to late spring. Removing dead foliage can also improve air circulation. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to minimize stress on the plant.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Rose campion, select a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball sits slightly below the rim of the pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and keep it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
Toxicity
Silene coronaria has no toxic effects reported.
Further reading →
The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial, Biennial, Annual
- Genus
- Silene
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-8
- Mature Height
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, White, Silver, Gray
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen, Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink, Red, White, Purple
- Flower Size
- 4.06 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Tajikistan, Turkey, India, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Pakistan, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Russia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Iran, Albania, Azerbaijan
Other names.
Reader questions.
When Should I Water My Rose Campion?
Watering your rose campion (Silene coronaria) is crucial for its growth, health, and flower production. The best time to water rose campion is when the top 1-2 inches of the soil feel dry to the touch. Keep an eye out for signs of water stress such as soil dryness, leaf discoloration, and faded flowers. Over or under-watering can lead to plant health issues, including wilting, loss of vibrancy, or root rot. Balancing the water based on plant and environmental signs is essential for the wellbeing of rose campion.
Why should I put fertilizer on my Rose campion?
The main structure of the Rose campion is formed by its leaves. Fertilization is essential for ensuring that these leaves both look great and function properly. By providing the right amount of fertilization, you can maintain consistent leaf color and a healthy texture. Additionally, fertilization benefits the roots of your Rose campion. It encourages the growth of new roots while also supporting the existing ones. This not only keeps your plant healthy in the present, but also enhances its ability to absorb nutrients from the soil in the long run.
What are the sunlight requirements for rose campion?
Rose campion requires a substantial amount of sunlight to thrive, ideally flourishing in areas that receive copious amounts of sunlight throughout the day. However, it can tolerate areas with less daily sun exposure. Full sun is defined as over 6 hours of sunlight per day, while partial sun refers to about 3-6 hours of sunlight. It's essential to observe the movement of sunlight through your garden to find the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their growth and happiness.
What is the native climate of Rose Campion?
Rose campion is native to temperate regions and thrives in moderate temperatures, typically ranging from 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 °C). To maintain optimal growth, it may be necessary to make seasonal adjustments that recreate the temperature conditions of its native climate.
How Should I Water My Rose Campion?
Watering rose campion correctly involves using bottom-watering techniques or a watering can with a narrow spout to focus the moisture directly at the base, avoiding the foliage. This approach helps in preventing fungal diseases and ensures that the roots are well-hydrated without over-saturating the surface. Especially since rose campion has specific needs for efficient hydration, adopting these methods will support its growth and flowering.
When should I fertilize my Rose campion?
If you grow your Rose campion outdoors each year, it will start showing new growth in early spring, which is a signal to begin fertilizing. A single application of fertilizer is usually sufficient, but if you want to promote maximum growth, you can fertilize multiple times during spring and early summer. In this case, you can feed your Rose campion every month to a month and a half.
Can rose campion grow with artificial lighting?
Yes, rose campion can grow under artificial lighting, especially when natural sunlight is insufficient, like during winter or in less sunny spaces. LED lights are a popular choice for their ability to provide specific wavelengths needed by plants. For optimal growth under artificial lights, full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft, partial sun plants require 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft. The light source should be positioned 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight, and most plants will need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Does Rose Campion need special protection during winter?
Rose campion has strong cold resistance and generally does not require special frost protection measures during winter. However, if winter temperatures are expected to fall below -25°C, protecting the plant with soil or straw coverings is important. It's also recommended to water the plant abundantly before the first freeze in autumn to ensure the soil remains moist and enters a frozen state, thereby preventing drought and water scarcity for the plant during winter and early spring.
How Much Water Does Rose Campion Really Need?
Rose campion thrives under conditions that replicate its natural habitat, with well-drained soils akin to the rocky and sandy terrains of Western Asia and Europe. A moderate amount of water, about 250-500ml per session, depending on the plant size and pot dimensions, is sufficient to moisten the soil down to the root depth without causing over-saturation. Monitoring the soil for dryness at the top layer while maintaining some moisture deep down helps in achieving the optimal watering balance. Overwatering or underwatering can lead to issues such as root rot or wilting.
When is the best time to not put fertilizer on my Rose campion?
During late fall and winter, Rose campion goes into a dormant phase and stops producing new growth. It's important not to fertilize during this time. In spring and summer, you can fertilize multiple times, but as summer comes, decrease the amount of fertilizer because the growth rate of Rose campion slows down. It's never a good idea to fertilize when the weather is unusually hot or the soil is very dry because it can cause stress and make the Rose campion die earlier.
What are the symptoms of inadequate light exposure in rose campion?
Symptoms of light deficiency in rose campion include smaller new leaves compared to previous ones, leggy or sparse growth, faster leaf drop, slower or no new growth, lighter-colored new leaves, chlorosis (leaves turning yellow), sunscald, leaf curling, wilting, and leaf scorching. Rose campion typically thrives in full sunlight, and inadequate lighting can manifest in a variety of symptoms indicating stress or inability to perform photosynthesis effectively.
How does Rose Campion react to low temperatures?
Rose campion is cold-tolerant and performs best when temperatures stay above 20°C. During winter, it's crucial to keep it above 0°C. If temperatures drop below -25°C, the plant may not show noticeable changes during winter, but there could be a decrease in sprouting or no sprouting at all come springtime. It is advisable to remove any parts that have failed to sprout in spring as a solution to this issue.
