Silene Rosalyn - seeds

Silene 'Rosalyn' is a perennial Silene variety. Very floriferous, even in its first year, the plant produces an abundance of toothed, bright pink flowers, resembling propellers, on a compact, rounded bushy tuft. Plant it in borders, rockeries, flower beds and hanging baskets, which it will completely cover in flowers. It can be sown in place in spring or late summer in mild climates and thrives in full sun with well-drained soil.

Silene is an herbaceous plant, either annual or perennial, native to Europe, and requires very little maintenance. This plant belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, related to carnations, with rapid growth and good hardiness, allowing it to be sown early in spring or even in autumn, in not-too-cold climates. The 'Rosalyn' variety is an interspecific hybrid (between two species), and as such, shows great hardiness, making it a perennial in USDA zones 5 to 9. It has been selected for its compact, rounded habit, and its abundant flowering, starting from the first year. The plant produces a basal tuft of small, linear to lanceolate, fairly light green leaves, measuring 1 to 3 cm (0 to 1in) long, with a velvety texture, from which sparsely leaved stems rise to a height of 15 cm (6in). At maturity, it reaches 35 cm (14in) in all directions. Flowering occurs during the summer, lasting for several weeks, from June to September. Each stem produces flowers measuring 1 to 2 cm (0 to 1in) in diameter, with 5 spatulate petals that curl at their tips. The bright pink corolla is surrounded at the base by a swollen calyx, marked with very visible purple veins. This flowering is followed by the formation of numerous fine seeds that germinate easily in light soil.

Silenes deserve to be grown more, as their small, shiny flowers and lightness are delightful. Perfect for summer flowering in borders, rockeries, and sunny flower beds, they are undemanding and require little care. Sown in naturalistic and wildflower borders, Silene 'Rosalyn' likes the company of grasses, especially Muhlenbergia capillaris with its pink spikes. In a rockery, in dry soil, it pairs well with catnip, Damask Nigella in pink, blue, or white, pastel-coloured Californian poppies, purple knapweed, ornamental carrot, and perennial flax. On a terrace or balcony, it spills over a pot or hanging basket and requires little maintenance.