Red campion Silene dioica
ABOUT
The plant known as red campion displays an attractive appearance featuring leaves that are arranged in pairs oppositely on its stems. These leaves boast a softly hairy texture and present with a deep green coloration. The stems themselves are also covered with fine hairs. Red campion is particularly noted for its beautiful flowers, which bloom from spring into early autumn, providing a long-lasting display. The flowers are characterized by their striking pink hue, which may vary in intensity, sometimes appearing almost a magenta color. Each flower consists of five petals, which are deeply notched giving the impression that there are actually ten. These petals emerge from a tubular calyx that is green and balloon-like in structure. The sexual characteristics of red campion are interesting because it typically comes in male and female plants, making it dioecious. The male flowers hold numerous stamens that are visible and prominent, standing out in contrast with the pink petals. In comparison, the female flowers feature a style that protrudes through the center of the petal arrangement. Upon fertilization, the plant produces a capsule containing numerous small seeds, which can be spread around the surrounding area, enabling the propagation of the red campion plant in suitable environments. Overall, the red campion offers a delightful presence in garden spaces and natural settings with its vivid flowers and attractive foliage, making it a picturesque addition to any temperate landscape.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Caryophyllaceae
Synonyms
Red Campion, Red Catchfly
Common names
Melandrium dioicum, Silene rubella, Lychnis dioica, Melandrium rubrum, Cucubalus dioicus.
ToxicityTo humans
Red Campion (Silene dioica) is not known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information available about the plant's toxicity, but it is generally considered to be non-toxic and has been used in traditional medicine. Although not poisonous, it is advisable to avoid ingesting any part of Red Campion as it is not typically recognized as a food source, and individual sensitivities or allergic reactions may occur. Eating plants that are not commonly used for food can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other adverse reactions, so caution is recommended.
To pets
Red Campion (Silene dioica) is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not commonly listed as a poisonous plant for pets such as dogs and cats, and there are no well-documented cases of poisoning from this plant in animals. Like with humans, while it is not considered toxic, it is not a dietary item for pets, and ingestion should be avoided to prevent any potential upset stomach, allergic reactions, or individual sensitivities. If a pet does consume Red Campion, monitoring for unusual behavior or symptoms and consulting with a veterinarian is advisable.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Wildlife Attraction: Silene dioica, commonly known as red campion, attracts a variety of pollinators such as bees and butterflies, promoting biodiversity in gardens and wild areas.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Red campion adds a splash of color to the landscape with its vibrant pink flowers, enhancing the visual appeal of natural spaces.
- Erosion Control: The plant can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion due to its rooting habit, making it useful in managing slopes and banks.
- Low Maintenance: Red campion is a hardy plant that requires little care once established, making it a good choice for low-maintenance gardening.
- Habitat Creation: It provides shelter and breeding sites for insects, contributing to the creation of a healthy habitat within ecosystems.
- Edible Parts: Some parts of red campion are edible for humans, such as the young leaves and seeds, which were historically used in salads and as a grain substitute.
- Educational Use: Red campion can be used in educational settings such as schools and nature programs to teach about plant biology and ecology.
- Companion Planting: This species can be beneficial in gardens as a companion plant, potentially helping to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
- Seasonal Interest: Its extended flowering period, from late spring to early autumn, offers prolonged seasonal interest in garden and natural landscapes.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Silene dioica has been used in traditional medicine for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Astringent: The astringent qualities of Silene dioica may have been utilized to help reduce bleeding and tighten tissues.
- Diuretic: This plant has also been employed traditionally as a diuretic to help increase urine production.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Indicator of soil fertility: Silene dioica, commonly known as Red Campion, can indicate high levels of soil nitrogen with its presence and vigor, being useful for farmers and gardeners as a natural soil fertility indicator.
- Companion planting: Red Campion can be planted alongside crops as it is believed to attract beneficial insects that prey on common agricultural pests, thus serving as part of an integrated pest management strategy.
- Dye production: The flowers of Red Campion can be used to produce a light green dye, which can be used in traditional textile coloring processes.
- Ornamental use: With its vibrant red flowers, Silene dioica is often used in wildflower gardens and natural landscaping to add color and attract pollinators.
- Cultural symbolism: In certain cultures, Red Campion flowers are associated with May Day celebrations and are used to adorn festivities and traditional garb.
- Education and research: As a native species in many areas, Silene dioica can be used in educational settings to teach about local flora, pollination, and conservation efforts.
- Handicrafts material: The stems and flowers can be used in the creation of nature-based crafts, such as eco-friendly table decorations and wreaths.
- Erosion control: Silene dioica can be planted on slopes and banks to help stabilize the soil with its root system and prevent erosion.
- Wildlife food source: The seeds of Red Campion provide food for birds, while the nectar and pollen in the flowers attract numerous insect species.
- Seed dispersal study: The plant can be used by ecologists and biologists to study seed dispersal mechanisms as it has a special relationship with ants (myrmecochory), where ants transport and disperse the seeds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Red Campion is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Red Campion is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attraction: The bright hues of Silene dioica, commonly known as Red Campion, symbolize allure and magnetism, often used to convey an irresistible attraction.
- Admiration: With its charming appearance, Red Campion is a symbol of admiration, suggesting a subtle, yet profound appreciation for beauty and grace.
WaterRed campion (Silene dioica) should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage a strong root system. Typically, watering once a week with approximately 1-2 gallons of water should suffice, but always check the soil moisture before watering; it should be moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water red campion twice a week, whereas, in cooler or rainy weather, watering may be reduced. Overhead watering is not recommended as it can promote fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightRed campion thrives best in partial shade conditions. The ideal location for red campion would be a spot where it receives dappled sunlight or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. This plant can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in hotter regions, it is best to protect it from the harsh afternoon sun to prevent scorching.
TemperatureRed campion prefers temperate conditions and can typically tolerate a temperature range from 20 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can survive light frosts, temperatures consistently below this range may harm the plant. The ideal temperature for vigorous growth is between 50 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning red campion is beneficial to maintain its shape and to encourage healthier, bushier growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts, cutting back old growth to keep the plant tidy. Deadheading spent flowers can promote additional blooms. Red campion should be pruned at least once a year, primarily focusing on removing dead or damaged stems.
CleaningAs needed
SoilRed Campion requires well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand is ideal for optimal growth.
RepottingRed Campion may be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current pot, to ensure adequate root space and soil nutrients.
Humidity & MistingRed Campion thrives in average to high humidity conditions; it does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Red Campion near a bright window, avoid direct strong light.
Outdoor
Plant Red Campion in partial shade, protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Silene dioica, commonly known as Red Campion, begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in spring to form a small rosette of leaves. This biennial or short-lived perennial grows vegetatively in its first year, establishing a root system and a basal clump of foliage. In its second year, the plant bolts, which means it sends up flowering stalks that can reach up to a meter in height and are decorated with pink, hermaphroditic or dioecious (male or female) flowers. After pollination, typically by bees and butterflies, the flowers develop into capsules containing numerous small seeds. The seeds are dispersed by wind, water, or animals, completing the reproductive cycle of the plant. The parent plant will eventually die after seeding, but new plants will grow from the seeds the following spring, ensuring the continuation of the species.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating the Red Campion (Silene dioica) is through seed sowing. Seeds can be sown in either spring or autumn, in a cold frame or directly into prepared beds outside. The process involves scattering the small seeds onto the surface of a well-draining seed starting mix and lightly pressing them into the soil. Red Campion seeds need light to germinate, so they should not be covered with soil, but they can be lightly dusted with vermiculite. It normally takes two to three weeks for the seeds to germinate at a temperature around 68°F (20°C). Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be pricked out and grown on in cooler conditions until they are ready to be transplanted into their final positions.
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