SILENE pendula (Nodding Catchfly)
SILENE pendula (Nodding Catchfly) is a charming annual or biennial flowering plant native to Europe. It belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and is valued for its delicate, pendulous flowers and its ability to attract pollinators. Nodding Catchfly is often used in cottage gardens, rockeries, or containers to add a touch of elegance and whimsy.
Nodding Catchfly is a relatively small plant, growing to a height of about 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) and spreading up to 6 inches (15 cm). It has slender stems that are often reddish in color and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are gray-green. The leaves are arranged opposite each other along the stems.
This species thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Nodding Catchfly is adaptable to various soil types, including sandy or loamy soils. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established.
The flowers of Silene pendula are the main attraction. They are small and delicate, with five petals that are usually white or pale pink. The flowers hang downwards on slender stalks, giving them a nodding or pendulous appearance. They have a sweet fragrance and are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Nodding Catchfly typically blooms from late spring to early summer, with the flowering period lasting for several weeks. Deadheading spent flowers can help promote continuous blooming and maintain a neat appearance.
Nodding Catchfly is often used in cottage gardens, rock gardens, or container plantings where its delicate, pendulous flowers can be appreciated up close. It works well as a border plant, in mixed beds, or as a filler between other taller plants. Its graceful flowers and slender stems add a touch of elegance to the garden.
Nodding Catchfly, with its delicate, pendulous flowers and graceful appearance, is a delightful addition to gardens, rockeries, and containers. Its adaptability, low-maintenance nature, and attractiveness to pollinators make it a valuable plant for adding elegance and whimsy to various outdoor spaces.
| Number of Seeds | Max Coverage Area (Square Ft.) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1OZ | 37,500 | 500 |
| 1/4LB | 150,000 | 2,000 |
| 1/2LB | 300,000 | 4,000 |
| 1LB | 600,000 | 8,000 |
| 5LB | 3,000,000 | 40,000 |
Scientific Name: Silene Pendula
Common Name: Nodding Catchfly
Plant Type: Annual or Biennial
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Zone: 5 to 8
Native Range: Europe, North America
Habitat: Terrestrial
Full Growth Height: 6-12 "
Width in Across: 8-16 "
Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun
Blooming Season: April to June
Flower Characteristics: Showy with 5 Petals
Pollinators: Butterflies, Bees
Flower Color: Purple-Red
Tolerate: Drought, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Water Requirement: Dry
Maintenance: Low
Soil Type: Chalk, Sand, Loam, Well-Drained
Soil pH: Neutral, Alkaline
Uses: Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Flower Arrangements