Silene vulgaris

A popular and beautiful wild flower, Silene vulgaris is native to the UK, found growing wild in meadows and open woods. Much loved by bees and other pollinators, fragrant white open-petalled flowers are held at the end of a balloon-like calyx. A dazzling, natural display of colour and scent. Known as Bladder Campion, the glaucous older leaves are sometimes eaten in omelettes, or sauteed in some areas of the Mediterranean. The young leaves are eaten raw in salads. The soaring popularity of wildflower meadows is illustrated in the most prestigious RHS show gardens. We believe no garden is too small to happily host insects, birds, and other wildlife. Present a veritable feast of seeds, leaves, nectar, and pollen, whilst creating a safe habitat for shelter and a perfect place to breed. Silene vulgaris will reach an approximate height of 60cm and spreads to 30cm. She prefers to be grown in moist, well-drained soil in sun or part shade. Given an RHS hardiness rating of H6, she is a fully hardy annual. Seed can easily be collected and sown for the following year.