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Royal Catchfly

Silene regia

$18.00

| Hardiness Zones 5-8

Royal Catchfly is a tall perennial with terminal spikes of bright scarlet flowers. Native to prairies and woods edges in a number of midwestern and southern states but rare and scattered within this large range. It is a very showy plant that should be planted in very well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade.

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 5 to 8
  • Sun: Part Shade and Full Sun
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8

Soil: Well-drained

Sun: Part Shade and Full Sun

Seasonal Behavior: Deciduous

Growth Rate: Moderate

Height at Maturity: 2 - 3 Feet

Spread at Maturity: 1 - 2 Feet

Silene regia, commonly known as Royal Catchfly, produces brilliant, scarlet-red flowers that are highly attractive to hummingbirds. The flowers bloom in mid-summer, with individual blooms emerging on tall, slender stems. Each flower is star-shaped, with five deeply notched petals, measuring about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

The striking red color of the blooms is unusual among prairie plants, making Silene regia a standout in the garden. The flowers are arranged in loose clusters at the tops of the stems, which can reach heights of 3 to 4 feet. Blooming typically lasts from mid-summer into early fall, providing a splash of vivid color during the hottest months of the year.

In addition to their bold appearance, Silene regia flowers are nectar-rich, making them a favorite of pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies. The plant's upright growth habit and long flowering period make it an excellent choice for adding height and texture to borders or naturalized landscapes.

With its tall stems, bright red blooms, and attractive structure, Silene regia brings a regal presence to any garden, and its low-maintenance nature makes it an ideal choice for both formal and wild settings.

scarlet flowers

Read full care instruction manual here.

Sunlight: Silene regia thrives in full sun and performs best when exposed to at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. It can tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be reduced in lower light conditions.

Soil: This plant prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil but is adaptable to various soil types, including dry and rocky soils. It is tolerant of poor soil quality as long as it drains well, as Silene regia does not like to sit in wet conditions.

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, strong root system. Once established, Silene regia is drought-tolerant and requires little watering. Overwatering or consistently soggy soil can lead to root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out between watering.

Fertilization: Silene regia does not require much fertilization. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring can help boost flowering if your soil is particularly poor. Avoid heavy fertilization, as it may lead to leggy growth.

Pruning: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from self-seeding excessively. Cut the plant back to the ground in late fall or early winter to allow fresh growth in the spring.

Propagation: Silene regia can be propagated by seed, but it may take a couple of years for seedlings to mature and flower. It can also be propagated by division in spring or fall. This plant tends to self-seed in ideal conditions, so monitor if you prefer to control its spread.

Pests and Diseases: Silene regia is generally pest-free and resistant to most diseases. Occasionally, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions, but proper spacing and good air circulation can help prevent this.

Winter Care: Hardy in USDA zones 5-8, Silene regia requires no special winter care. It dies back in late fall and re-emerges in spring. Mulching in colder climates can help protect the roots during winter.

Grown in Aiken, S.C.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.