Scarlet Catchfly (Silene Virginica) – 1 Gallon Pot

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Bright red perennial flowers aren’t that common in a shade or woodland garden, but that’s exactly what you get with the Scarlet Catchfly, also known as Fire Pink. This eye-catcher is a wonderful North American native plant on the endangered species list in many locations, but you can bring it into your gardens for both you and your guests to enjoy, not to mention the hummingbirds and butterflies who will flock to it. In spring through early summer, clusters of brilliant 1 to 1.5” diameter scarlet flowers rise above the mound of green foliage. The flowers have narrow tubes that spread into 5 deeply cut petals. This one grows best in partly sunny or partly shaded sites with average well drained soil and is pest resistant and tolerant of drought and poor sandy, clay or rocky soils.

Silene virginica is called Scarlet Catchfly because of the sticky hairs on the calyx that holds the flowers are reminiscent of fly paper, though we’ve never seen this plant catch a fly. The sticky surface deters ants from climbing to the flower to steal nectar.

Growing up to 2 feet tall and wide, Scarlet Catchfly is ideal for use in partially shaded gardens and woodland or rock gardens. It is most impressive in small groups or in mass plantings where space allows. If conditions are right the plant will naturalize freely. A fine addition to shade and woodland gardens, hummingbird and butterfly gardens, red theme gardens, rock gardens, perennial gardens, native plant gardens, wildflower gardens and the Xeriscape (low water needs) cottage gardens, gardens, perennial gardens, cottage gardens, and red theme gardens.

Scarlet Catchfly isn’t too fussy about soil but grows best in a moist but well-drained soil of average fertility and part shade. Morning sun with afternoon shade or all-day filtered sun would be perfect. Drought tolerant when established. Plant with the top of the root ball even with ground level. Care and maintenance are minimal. Feed in spring with an organic plant food.