Silene Species, Alpine Catchfly
Silenealpestris

Family: Caryophyllaceae (kar-ree-oh-fil-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Silene (sy-LEE-nee)
Species: alpestris (al-PES-triss)

Synonym:Cucubalus quadrifidus

Synonym:Heliosperma alpestre

Synonym:Heliosperma arcanum

Synonym:Ixoca arcana

Category
Alpines and Rock Gardens
Perennials

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Evergreen
Smooth
Textured

Foliage Color

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)

Spacing
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger

Bloom Color
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Propagation Methods
By dividing the rootball
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds