Silene virginica

Common Names

Fire Pink, Scarlet Catchfly, Catchfly

Summary

Fire Pink (Silene virginica) is a herbaceous, clump-forming perennial native to eastern North America. It typically grows 1–2 feet tall, with hairy, sticky stems and narrow lance-shaped leaves. It bears loose clusters of bright scarlet flowers with five notched petals atop slender stems; the calyx and stems are sticky, a feature that helps deter nectar thieves. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the primary pollinators, attracted to the vivid blooms, which occur in spring through summer in open woods, rocky slopes, and similar habitats. For cultivation, it prefers partial sun to full sun and well-drained soils ranging from dry to medium moisture; it tolerates drought and rocky, sandy, or acidic soils. It is short-lived but self-seeds, allowing ongoing display in appropriate habitats. Propagation is possible by seeds, cuttings, or divisions; seeds may require cold stratification of about 60 days. In landscape use, it works in rock gardens, shade gardens, borders, and naturalized areas, and attracts hummingbirds and bees while providing a striking red floral display from spring into summer.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

9-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-8

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun to partial shade

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, suitable for sandy, loamy, or clay textures

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

Below 6.0

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, other pollinators, birds