Delightful, compact and easy to grow, Silene caroliniana is an excellent choice for bright shade or full sun. It is covered in deep pink flowers in late spring. Very reliable for us through wet and dry seasons for three years now and in a cool spring it seems to bloom forever - one year we tracked 8 weeks of full bloom! A great native substitute for Dianthus, this Silene has similar appearance and bloom time, but tolerates a wider variety of garden situations. Silene 'Short and Sweet' is a fantastic plant for naturalizing, yet it can hold its own as a specimen in a container or patio garden as well.
Height
6-8 Inches
Spread
10-15 Inches
Bloom Color
Pink
USDA Hardiness Zone 4-7
Interesting Notes
Silene caroliniana can be found in rocky, calcareous woods and outcrops from New Hampshire to Ohio, south to Alabama.
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Silene caroliniana prefers full sun, part shade or shade, though blooms are less numerous in shade. Soil should have average to good drainage and not be wet for extended periods. Though often found in limestone outcrops, S. caroliniana is not particular about pH.
