Silene Seeds

Rose of Heaven (Silene coeli-rosa) is a slender, upright annual from the western Mediterranean basin and Maghreb that brings an airy charm to any sunny border. Above its narrow foliage it carries loose clusters of magenta-pink flowers, each about 2.5 cm across with a crisp white centre and softly notched petals. The plant stays compact at roughly 25-50 cm tall, and the long-lasting blooms make it an excellent cut flower for casual, cottage-style bouquets.

Planting

Sow directly where the plants are to flower, pressing the seeds into the soil surface and barely covering them, since light aids germination. Choose a spot in full sun, ideally more than six hours of direct light a day, though it accepts partial shade. The soil should be moderately fertile, well-drained and neutral to slightly alkaline; chalk and loam both suit it. Seedlings emerge in about one to two weeks at mild temperatures of roughly 15-21 C. Thin them to stand about 30-45 cm apart.

Fertilizing

This is a light feeder. Enrich the bed with compost or aged manure before planting and you will rarely need to feed again. If you wish, apply a water-soluble fertilizer about every two weeks during active growth, or mix in a slow-release feed once at the start of the season.

Care

Keep the soil evenly moist while seedlings establish, then give about 2.5 cm of water weekly, always with good drainage as it dislikes waterlogging. It is generally trouble-free but watch for powdery mildew, plus aphids, slugs and snails. Cut plants back after flowering; they often self-sow for the following year.