Bladder campion Silene vulgaris

Water

Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris) does best with moderate watering. Generally, the plant should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may equate to about once a week depending on environmental factors like heat and humidity. Use room temperature water and apply it directly to the soil, avoiding wetting the foliage to prevent fungal diseases. An average watering might require about 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season in spring and summer, the frequency of watering may increase, and it’s vital to reduce watering in the winter months when the plant's growth slows down.

Light

Bladder campion thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. A spot that experiences morning light with some afternoon shade is excellent, especially in regions with particularly hot summers. This plant is quite adaptable, though, and can still fare well in slightly shadier conditions, but flowering may be less prolific.

Temperature

Bladder campion prefers temperate climates and is hardy in USDA zones 3-8, indicating it can withstand a wide range of temperatures. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -40 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can handle heat quite well as long as it isn't extreme. The ideal temperature range for growing bladder campion is generally between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which encourages healthy growth and flowering.

Pruning

Bladder campion benefits from occasional pruning to remove dead or damaged stems and to promote bushier growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back the plant by about one-third of its size to keep its shape and encourage new stems and flowers. Pruning is not a routine requirement but can be done yearly or as needed to maintain the plant's appearance and health.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Bladder campion (Silene vulgaris) thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of loamy soil with compost or aged manure incorporated into the mix will provide the nutrients the plant needs. Aim for a slightly alkaline to neutral soil pH of around 6.5 to 7.5 for best growth.

Repotting

Bladder campion does not typically require frequent repotting as it can thrive in the same spot for several years. However, if growth is stunted or the soil is depleted, consider repotting every 2 to 3 years, ideally in the spring.

Humidity & Misting

Bladder campion prefers normal outdoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations. It is quite adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity conditions found in most outdoor environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure plenty of sunlight and avoid waterlogged soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Silene vulgaris, commonly known as bladder campion, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist soil typically in the spring, growing a small root system and a rosette of leaves close to the ground. As the plant matures, it develops an erect stem with opposite leaves and expands its root system. During late spring to early summer, bladder campion produces white, night-scented flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of its characteristic bladder-like calyx surrounding the fruit. After pollination, the plant forms seed capsules that eventually open to release numerous small seeds, which are dispersed by wind, gravity, or possibly by animals. In its adult stage, Silene vulgaris can produce flowers and seeds annually (annual life cycle) or live for multiple seasons and produce flowers and seeds in subsequent years (perennial life cycle). During winter or adverse conditions, the aerial parts of the plant may die back, while the root system survives to regenerate above-ground growth in the following season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The most popular method of propagating Silene vulgaris, commonly known as bladder campion or maidenstears, is through seed sowing. The best time to sow seeds is in spring after the threat of frost has passed, or they can be sown in autumn if the climate allows for a period of cold stratification, which can help break seed dormancy. Seeds should be scattered lightly on the surface of a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until germination, which usually occurs within 2 to 3 weeks. Young plants can then be transplanted outdoors once they have developed true leaves and have grown strong enough to withstand the elements, typically when they are a few inches tall.