Plant Details

Silene regia

Royal Catchfly

Please register or login to build your personal plant list.

Bright red, tubular flowers bloom June-August, attracting hummingbirds and large butterflies.

See Details Below

Description:

Royal Catchfly’s bright red, tubular flowers bloom June-August, attracting hummingbirds and large butterflies. Relatively easy to grow in well-drained, slightly-dry, loamy, sandy or rocky soil. Prefers full sun; tolerates partial shade. Royal Catchfly grows a deep taproot, offering some drought tolerance once established. The common name reflects its sticky, hairy stem that traps climbing insects as a defense mechanism, who are then broken down by digestive enzymes exuded by the plant. Native to the prairies of the Midwest. Seeds drop in fall and need an open soil surface in order to germinate in spring. Pair with Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) as a companion in the native garden. For clay soil or partial shade, try Fire Pink (Silene virginica).

Wildlife Value: Ruby-throated Hummingbirds carry the pollen grains from one flower to another, as they sip nectar from within the deep tubular flower using their long tongue. Large butterflies are also equipped to drink nectar from the flowers, using their long proboscis.

Plant Details: