Silene virginiana - FIRE PINK (for half sun to light shade)

Short-lived perennial that selfseeds, ideal for dappled sun, half shade, light or dappled shade garden. Fire Pink is mascot of our logo.

1.5-2' tall x 1' wide clumps of dark green leaves. Flowers in May to July attract hummingbirds, butterflies, native bees and moths.

Average soil, preferably leaner, some content of sand, rock is ideal or at least with average drainage (don't plant in waterlogged soil, seeps or where water soaks in slowly).

Soil should me medium-dry to dry. Fire pink will grow in drier clay too. Plants will decline in too deep shade.

Native wildflower to eastern part of USA, see the USDA distribution map. In nature can be found on calcereous soil, usually in upland forest, ledges, slopes, close to rocky outcrops or woodland margins.

Hardy in zones 4 to 8.

For some reason, not very common plant in gardens, but it's tolerance to shade and drought makes it ideal plant for drier to dry shade garden. Can be used in meadows, woodland edges, flower beds with some shade, shady corners of rock gardens, pollinator, hummingbird or cottage gardens. Fire pink will reseed where it's not overcrowded and where seeds can germinate on open ground.

Good companions can be introduced perennial like Epimedium, Geranium, Helleborus, Hosta (on not too wet soil), Pulmonaria, Tricyrtis,.. from native plants for example Aquilegia canadensis, Asarum, Chrysogonum virginianum, Coreopsis auriculata 'Nana', Coreopsis verticillata, Gillenia stipulata, Heuchera, Penstemon (digitalis, calycosus, smallii), Phlox divaricata, Sedum ternatum, Scutellaria ovata,Viola or clump ferns like Anthyrium filix-femina, Polystichum acrostichoides and native sedges - Carex (Carex pennsylvanica, C. rose, C. albicans, C. bromoides etc).

Pot size: square 3.5" x 4" deep perennial pot

Pictures copyright : US Perennials nursery