Photo of Silene stellata flower, foliage, form by Fritz Flohr Reynolds

Photo by Fritz Flohr Reynolds

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Silene stellata

Also Known As

  • Starry Campion
  • Widow's Frill

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 18"-30"
  • W: 12"-18"

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Silene stellata plant details

Silene stellata is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in acidic, average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Silene stellata

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: caryophyllaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 18 IN - 30 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: cottage garden, cutting garden, rare

GROWING CONDITIONS for Silene stellata

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Resistant to: deer, heat and humidity
Soil needs: acidic, average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The five pure white widely flaring petals are each neatly trimmed into a multitude of white frills. A beautiful native clump forming perennial with good garden manners. Clean, smooth, medium green foliage is whorled around the dainty stems that are topped with loose panicles of the delicate flowers in summer. Starry Campion or Widow's Frill is rare in some parts of its range but is found in much of the central and eastern US with reports of it surviving even into Canada. This beautiful native is found on well-drained, acidic soils and is a taprooted perennial. These are grown from seed of plants we received from the good folks at SFA Gardens and have been reliable garden performers.

Gardening facts about Silene stellata plant

How to Grow Silene stellata

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • acidic
    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Silene for your garden

aka Silene vulgaris maritima, Silene vulgaris ssp. Maritima, Silene vulgaris subsp. maritima, Sea Campion, Sea Campion

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

7b-9b

Size

Height: 4"-8"

Width: 12"-24"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - low
Photo of Silene uniflora flower by Wouter Hagens
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aka Silene caroliniana var. wherryi 'Short & Sweet', Short and Sweet Sticky Catchfly

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-8b

Size

Height: 6"-8"

Width: 10"-12"

  • sun
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Silene caroliniana ssp. wherryi 'Short and Sweet' flower by Conifer Kingdom
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aka Valley High Variegated Campion

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-9b

Size

Height: 10"-13"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Silene dioica 'Valley High' flower by Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc.
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aka Cardinal Catchfly, Fringed Indian Pink, Indian-Pink, Mexican Campion, Mexican-Pink

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

5a-10b

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 2'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular - low
Photo of Silene laciniata flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Royal Catchfly

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 24"-36"

Width: 24"

  • sun
  • regular
Photo of Silene regia flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
View Plant

More Options

+70 more Silene
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