Catchfly Plants
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Catchfly - Seline
The Seline, commonly called the Catchfly, reaches a mature height of 12"-18". It prefers slightly dry to slightly moist soil that contains rocky material, clay loam, or loam. It grows naturally in USDA plant hardiness zones 5-8. While it thrives in these zones, it does poorly in extremely high temperatures. Originally native to Europe, it was brought to North America and now grows wild. To liven the landscape, pair the Catchfly with other vibrantly colored flowers, like a daisy. It is also suggested Catchfly be placed in front of a viewing area because of the beautiful wildlife it attracts. While it does require some management as far as preventing pests, the Seline is poor maintenance. For the avid gardener, this is often a highly sought-after benefit. Its dazzling bloom occurs from May to September in brilliant shades of pink, white, and lavender. The genus Silene includes over 700 species, but the most popular may be the Royal Catchfly.
This specific species is common for use in landscapes, and blooms are most commonly vibrant red. The long duration of the bloom is one of the signing bonuses, including the Catchfly in a landscape; the flowers will last longer and give the area more color than most other flowering plants. The plant's stem is rich, dark green with silver hues, so it is perfect for adding depth and richness to any flower garden or landscape. The five petals on each flower are thin and, in a star,-shaped arrangement, with several flowers branching all-around a stem. This pattern may vary with the specific species of Seline. Some species have flowers or petals that are packed more closely together than others. The nectar of this flower attracts wildlife like the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird and various types of giant butterflies.