Silene pendula Sibella Carmine

Silene pendula 'Sibella Carmine' is an excellent variety that is remarkably colourful. The plant forms a rounded and semi-drooping clump that disappears under a multitude of intense carmine-pink flowers for several weeks. This versatile catchfly can be used in bed borders, planters, and hanging baskets. Sow the seeds in spring for summer flowering or in late summer for flowering the following spring. It prefers a position in the sun, in rich, well-drained soil.

Silene pendula 'Sibella Carmine' is a 2019 Dutch horticultural variety from Van Hemert & Co dating, which won the Fleurosect Gold Medal in 2020 for its outstanding performance. This plant belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, and is a cousin of carnations. It has a very fast growth rate, and can be grown as a biennial or annual. 'Sibella Carmine' forms a rounded, regular clump, measuring 35 to 40cm (14 to 16in) in height,  with a slightly wider width. Its slightly drooping stems bear small, elliptical to lanceolate medium green leaves, 1 to 3cm (1in) long. Flowering takes place in spring (May to June) or summer (July to September), lasting several weeks. The faded flowers fall off on their own without the need to cut them. Each flower is 1 to 2cm (1in) in diameter and consists of 5 spatulate petals curled at their tips. This corolla is bright pink in colour and is surrounded at the base by a swollen, reddish-purple calyx.

Silene pendula 'Sibella Carmine' forms a dazzling cascade of flowers, creating an explosion of colour on balconies or in gardens. Silenes deserve a home in every garden! These excellent summer-flowering plants are perfect for sunny beds. They bloom in abundance and ask for little in return. 'Sibella Carmine' looks wonderful with grasses, especially Muhlenbergia capillaris with pink spikes. Plant it near fragrant rose bushes and Chinese peonies. It provides a sublime display in pots on patios and balconies, and contrasts beautifully with blue lobelia.