Wild Pink (Silene Caroliniana Var. Wherryi ‘Short And Sweet’)

Wild Pink

Features and Characteristics

Silene caroliniana, commonly called wild pink, Carolina campion, or catchfly, is a low, mounded wildflower which is native to eastern and central North America. It somewhat resembles woodland phlox. Loose clusters of rose-pink flowers with five spreading wedge-shaped petals appear in mid to late spring atop sticky flowering stems rising to 10″ tall. Tufts of narrow, lance-shaped basal leaves (to 4″ long) with smaller paired stem leaves. An important early nectar source for butterflies and other insect pollinators.

Silene caroliniana var. wherryi is native to Missouri in the central Ozark region.

Genus name means catchfly or campion.

Specific epithet means of North Carolina or South Carolina.

‘Short and Sweet’ is a compact, mounding to spreading selection of wild pink that features bright pink flowers held above basal foliage. Mature clumps will reach up to 8″ tall and spread to fill an 18″ area.

Care and Maintenance

Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers sunny sites in dryish sandy or gravelly soils with some part afternoon shade. Tolerant of some drought once established. Requires excellent drainage. Plants are best left undisturbed once established.

Wild Pink (Silene Caroliniana Var. Wherryi ‘Short And Sweet’) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Sun light	Full Sun To Part Shade
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Medium

Common Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Root rot may occur in overly wet or poorly drained soils.

Uses

Best in rock gardens. Also may be grown in border fronts and wildflower/native plant gardens.

Wild Pink (Silene Caroliniana Var. Wherryi ‘Short And Sweet’) Details

Common name	Wild Pink
Botanical name	Silene Caroliniana Var. Wherryi 'Short And Sweet'
Plant type	Herbaceous Perennial
Family	Caryophyllaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 8
Water	Dry To Medium
Maintenance	Medium
Flowering period	May - June
Height	0.50 To 0.75 Feet
Width	1 - 1.50 Feet