ITEM SPECIFICS

• Quantity: 100 High-Quality Seeds

• Variety: Silene dioica (Red Campion)

• Type: Hardy Perennial

• Height: 60cm – 90cm (24–36 inches)

• Hardiness: Fully Hardy

• Ideal For: Woodland Gardens, Shady Borders, Wildflower Meadows, and Hedgerows

WHY GROW RED CAMPION?

• Early Pollinator Support: Flowering as early as May, Red Campion provides a vital early-season nectar source for long-tongued bees, hoverflies, and butterflies like the Anthophora plumipes (Hairy-footed Flower Bee).

• Thrives in Shade: While many wildflowers demand full sun, Red Campion is famous for its ability to flourish in dappled shade and under trees, making it perfect for those "tricky" spots in the garden.

• Long Flowering Window: Though it peaks in late spring, this hardy perennial often continues to throw out splashes of pink well into July and August, especially if deadheaded.

• Ancient Woodland Indicator: Growing Red Campion adds a sense of history and permanence to a garden, mimicking the look of ancient English woodlands and traditional country lanes.

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

• When to Sow: March to May or September to October (for flowering the following spring).

• Sowing: Sow on the surface of moist, well-prepared soil or seed compost. Do not cover the seeds, as light is essential for germination. Press them gently into the earth to ensure good contact.

• Temperature: Maintain a temperature of 15°C – 20°C.

• Germination: Usually occurs within 14–21 days.

• Care: If starting in trays, transplant to pots when large enough to handle and plant out in autumn or spring. While it loves a bit of shade, it is very adaptable and will grow in almost any soil type as long as it isn't waterlogged. It will self-seed gently, creating a beautiful, naturalized colony over time.