Red Campion (Silene dioica) is a charming native wildflower producing masses of vivid magenta-pink blooms on slender branching stems from late spring into summer. Loved by bees, butterflies and other pollinators, it thrives in cottage gardens, woodland edges, wildflower meadows and naturalistic borders.
 
Easy to grow and happy in both sun and partial shade, this hardy perennial readily self-seeds, creating beautiful drifts of colour year after year. It also makes a delightful, airy addition to informal cut flower arrangements.
 
When to Sow: March–May or September–October.
 
HOW TO SOW CAMPION: Sow onto the surface of moist compost and lightly cover with a thin layer of vermiculite or fine compost. Keep at 15–20°C until germination. Alternatively, sow outdoors in spring or early autumn where plants are to flower. Keep the compost moist but never waterlogged.
 
Classification: Hardy perennial (often short-lived and self-seeding).
Expert Level: Easy to Grow 
Germination Time: 2-3 Weeks
Site: Full sun / partial shade
Soil Type: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil.
Soil Acidity: Acid, neutral or alkaline.
Moisture: Moist but well-drained.
 
Care: Water during prolonged dry spells while establishing. Deadhead to prolong flowering or leave seed heads to encourage natural self-seeding. Cut back old growth in autumn.
 
Use: Cottage gardens, woodland gardens, wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens and informal cut flower arrangements.
Harvesting: Cut stems when several flowers are open and the remaining buds are just beginning to colour for the best vase life.
Days to Maturity: 90–120 days from a spring sowing; autumn sowings flower earlier the following year. 
 
Vase Life: 5–7 days.
Height: 60–90 cm.
Plant Spacing: 30–40 cm.
Flowering Months: May–July, often extending into August in cooler seasons.