Bladder Campion
Silene vulgaris
A herbaceous perennial characterized by white, deeply notched five-petaled flowers emerging from distinct, swollen, bladder-like calyces marked with fine green veins.
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade (typically 4 to 8 hours of direct light daily).
- Water
- Low to moderate. Requires occasional watering during long dry periods, but prefers dry to moderately moist conditions once established.
- Growth
- Herbaceous perennial growing up to 30 to 80 cm (12 to 32 inches) in height with an upright, spreading habit.
Care instructions
Plant in a location with full sun to light shade and well-draining soil. Water during dry spells until established, as it is relatively low-maintenance once mature.
Growing details
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade (typically 4 to 8 hours of direct light daily).
Watering
Low to moderate. Requires occasional watering during long dry periods, but prefers dry to moderately moist conditions once established.
Soil
Well-drained sandy, loamy, or gravelly soils. Tolerates poor soils and neutral to alkaline pH levels (6.0-8.0).
Hardiness zone
USDA Zones 3 to 9
Growth habit
Herbaceous perennial growing up to 30 to 80 cm (12 to 32 inches) in height with an upright, spreading habit.
Bloom season
Late spring to summer (May to August). Features white flowers with five deeply cleft petals and swollen, veined, balloon-like calyces.
Propagation
Propagated easily by seed sown in spring or autumn, or by dividing established clumps in spring.
Common pests & issues
Generally low-maintenance; may occasionally attract aphids or develop leaf spots/powdery mildew in overcrowded, humid conditions.
Similar species
Silene latifolia (White Campion), which has a hairy stem, more upright flowers, and less inflated calyces; and Silene dioica (Red Campion), which features pink to red flowers.