Red Campion – Silene dioica

Red campion, also known by its botanical name Silene dioica, is a striking native plant with bright pink flowers. This perennial plant occurs naturally in damp road verges, woodland edges and along ditches in the Netherlands and Belgium. Flowering begins early in spring and continues into summer. Thanks to the nectar- and pollen-rich flowers, red campion is very popular with bumblebees, wild bees and butterflies. A colourful and ecologically valuable addition to any wildflower meadow or natural garden.\nFor what purposes can I use red campion?\nRed campion comes into its own in natural gardens, wildflower meadows, woodland edges and along waterways.\nDue to its preference for moist, nutrient-rich soils it is also excellent for rainwater infiltration zones and buffer areas. Combine it with species such as ragged robin, purple loosestrife and marsh birdsfoot trefoil for a varied, flowering whole. This plant contributes to increasing biodiversity and brings life to the garden – literally!\nWhat are the characteristics of red campion?\n\nNative, perennial plant\nRich flowering with pink flowers\nOne of the earliest-flowering native species\nAttractive to wild bees, bumblebees and butterflies\nSuitable for moist, nutrient-rich soils\nPerfect for natural borders, wildflower meadows and along waterways\n\nHow do I sow red campion?\nSow red campion in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October). Choose a spot in semi-shade or sun with moist, humus-rich soil. The flower seeds can be sown directly in open ground.\nSow the loose flower seeds superficially and press down lightly but do not cover completely with soil. Keep the soil moist during the germination period. Allow approximately 1 gram per 1–2 m² in mixed cultivation.\nHow do I maintain red campion?\nRed campion requires little maintenance. Allow the plant to self-seed after flowering so that it can spread naturally. Want to extend the flowering or keep the plant compact? You can remove spent stems.\nIn a wildflower meadow, mowing 1–2 times per year is sufficient, preferably after flowering in July and possibly a second time in September. Remove the mowings to stimulate soil impoverishment. This also gives other native species room to grow.