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My
very first book on Alpines was a revised
edition of a 'Collins Guide' by Anna
N. Griffith, which was first published in
1964.
While this book gives a very
comprehensive guide to Alpine plants
available to growers at that time and also
mentions in passing "
North American species of Silenes with
brilliant red or pink flowers",
Griffith does not mention Silene
caroliniana, indeed it is omitted from
many later publications including the
"Alpine plants of North America"
(Graham Nicholls, 2002)
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The
Encyclopaedia of Alpines (AGS 1994) does
include the plant and comments that it
is a most attractive plant that has been
strangely neglected by growers. |
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Silene
Caroliniana var "Red Wherry"has a
long flowering period with me, usually from
May until early July, the loose domes are
covered with brick red typical campion
flowers.
This native of S.E. USA favours
rocky places with well drained
gravelly, sandy soils and so the rock
garden or a raised-bed is the ideal garden
situation. Like many North American alpines
it appreciates excellent light and plenty of
sunshine. |
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A profuse amount of seed is reliably
produced and is ripe to sow in early August, I sow
the seed immediately and the resulting seedlings are
ready for pricking out in September, resulting in
plants which will flower the following year. Self-
sown seedlings also appear from time to time
in my raised beds.
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While individual
plants reach only 10/12 cm in diameter, I often
plant several plants together which results in a
clump of vibrant colour which stands out in the
garden.
This Silene is perfectly hardy and over
winters well in my garden; however I often treat it
as a annual as younger plants tend to flower more
profusely .
The variety "Red Wherry" is reputed to
have larger flowers. In recent years seed is
available from SRGC and AGS seed lists .
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