Red Campion
Silene dioica
Red Campion is a perennial for mid-border, suited to full sun to partial shade and clay, loam or chalk, flowering Apr, May, Jun, Jul.
| Type | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Mature height | 75 cm |
| Spread | 45 cm |
| Aspect | full sun to partial shade |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Hardiness | USDA 5a-8b, RHS H6 |
| Pollinator-friendly | Yes |
| Pet-safe | Not confirmed |
Where to use it in a border
At around 75 cm, it sits best through the middle of a border, between taller structure behind and edging in front. Give it about 45 cm of room to spread, roughly 2 to the metre when planted in a drift. It is hardy across USDA zones 5a to 8b and rated H6 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.
It appears in our lists of shade, clay soil, chalk soil, pollinator-friendly plants.
Border Builder uses Red Campion's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.
Flowering through the year
Worth knowing
- It tolerates a shaded, north-facing spot.
- Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.
Good companions
Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:
- Anise/Blue Sagefor height behind it
- Atamasco Rain Lilyto edge in front
- Black Cohoshfor height behind it
- Blackthornfor height behind it
- Blue Mistflowerto edge in front
- Blue Wood Asterto edge in front