Silene vulgaris (bladder campion or blushing lanterns)
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Hardy short lived Perennial
Light Preference: Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Preference: Moist well drained soil
Height: 60-80cm
Growth Habit: lush clump forming with tall dainty flower clusters
Flowering season: Summer
Planting Use: Cottage Gardens, prairie/meadow style gardens, textural borders, cut flower
Description: I’m going to call this a short lived, clump forming perennial, as there seems to be confusion over it’s classification. It tends to be a short lived perennial if flowers are cut and seedheads are removed before maturation - driving it to reproduce another year. Flower stems of dainty, balloon shaped, pink blushed calyx and simple white flowers adorn grey green foliage in the spring and summer. Prefers sun to part shade and well drained soil. Dry tolerant once established.
Notes on Cutting: Best picked when the first bloom on the stem is finished and the others are going for it. A dainty airy filler for bouquets. More impactful when used as a cloud en masse, in the garden or in a bouquet.
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