Silene latifolia Seeds | White Campion
LATIN NAME: Silene latifolia
COMMON NAME: White Campion
Plant Profile
Silene latifolia, commonly known as White Campion, is a biennial in the pink family. Plant is a fine, generous presence of wild patch and evening garden. It is a plant of open, sunny, well-drained ground. While it flowers, it feeds a quiet procession of bees and hoverflies. These traits together are what have kept the plant in gardens for so long.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the pink family regularly include Silene latifolia in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. The practical point for growers is that this plant has been observed in gardens for so long that its behaviour holds few surprises.
Uses & Benefits
White Campion works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. White campion is a fine, generous plant of wild patch and the verge. A short cut in grass near plants suits them well, for tall stems stand better against wall or the fence. To grow white campion from seed, sow small, round seeds over surface of a pot of fine seed compost, with a light press, keep pot in a bright, open spot and water gently. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.
Campions are night-scented flowers for moths and moon gardens; a few have folk records, but their charm is ornamental.
Growing from Seed
White Campion is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
White Campion has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
Related Reading
If White Campion appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: