Caring for Silene, perfect herbs to grow in pots

Our silent They are small herbaceous plants, with flowers that are also small in size but with an unparalleled beauty. Due to their characteristics, they are perfect to have in pots, decorating, for example, tables on the terrace or patio, or even in bright interiors.

There are a hundred species, some of them capable of withstanding cold and frost like few plants do, so there will surely be one for you 🙂. Let’s get to know them better.

Origin and characteristics of the Silene

It is a genus of annual, biannual or perennial herbs originating above all in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere that develop green or glabrous leaves, opposite and sometimes pubescent. They can reach a maximum height of 40-50 centimeters, rarely 1 meter.

The flowers are grouped in clustersand they are formed by a tubular calyx that ends with five petals, ten stamens and between 3 and 5 styles. These can be red, pink, white or yellow, unisexual (that is, female or male, differentiated by the calyx, which is more swollen in females, and by the stamens, which appear only in males) or hermaphrodites.

The fruit is a capsule with five compartments, in which we will find small seeds.

Main species

The best known are:

silene acaulis

Also known as Silene mossis a plant that forms dense groups called pads. It is native to the Arctic areas and the highest mountains in Europe, and produces pink flowers.

Silene conical

It is an annual herb native to the dunes and grasslands of central and southern Europe that produces pink flowers.

Silene dioecious

It is a biennial or perennial herb native to central, northern and western Europe. Develops flower stems with pink flowers.

silent French

Known as carmelitilla, it is a species of annual herb native to southern and central Europe that produces pink or white flowers with a crimson stain on the petals.

Silene latifolia

Known as colleja, or silene dawnis a plant native to Europe, Asia and North Africa that produces flowers in clusters of white color.

nodding silently

It is an herb native to the United Kingdom, especially the county of Nottingham, although it is found in most of Europe, including Spain. Produces white flowers grouped in clusters.

silent vulgar

Known as wild collejas, it is an herb native to Europe, North Africa and Asia that produces white flowers.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy of Silene, we recommend you take care of it as follows:

Location

Ideally, it is outside, in full sun or in semi-shade; Now, if you have an interior patio or a bright room, you can put it there near a window.

Earth

• Flower pot: fill it with universal growing medium (for sale here!) mixed with 20 or 30% perlite (for sale here!).
• the garden: grows in soils rich in organic matter, with good drainage.

Irrigation

Moderate to frequent. You do not have to water every day, but it is important that the soil always remains somewhat humid since it is a plant that does not withstand drought. For this reason, and to prevent its roots from rotting, it is highly recommended to check the humidity of the soil before watering.

Subscriber

It is interesting to pay La Silene during spring and summerand even fall if the weather is mild. Use natural products for this, such as guano or the mulch, and you’ll see how well it grows 😉.

Multiplication

It multiplies by seeds in springfollowing this step by step:

1. First, a seedbed (seedling tray or pot) is filled with specific substrate (for sale here!).
2. Then, the seeds are placed on the surface, trying not to make piles.
3. Afterwards, they are covered with a thin layer of substrate.
4. Then it is watered consciously.
5. Finally, the seedbed is placed outside, in semi-shade or in full sun.

Keeping the substrate moist, they will germinate in about 18-20 days as long as the seeds are as fresh as possible.

Pruning

You don’t need it. Maybe cut off withered flowers and dry leaves in spring-summer.

Planting or transplanting time

In spring, when the frosts have passed.

Rusticity

Most species resist frosts down to -18ºCbut there are some that are annual and therefore will only live until temperatures drop below 0 degrees.

What uses are given to the Silene?

Normally, they are used only as ornamental plants. Its flowers are very showy, colors that brighten up the place where they are, and maintenance is quite simple. Now, you should know that there are some species, such as the silent vowelswhat are consumed as a vegetableeither in salads, soups and broths.

Where to buy?

If you dare to sow seeds, you can get them from here:

No products found.

Have a happy planting!

I hope you have learned a lot about the Silene and can enjoy them in your home 🙂.