Silene regia

Silene regia, or royal catchfly, is a tall and beautiful North American species with scarlet flowers. This perennial forms a clump of stems covered in velvety green leaves. In summer, tall and slender stems emerge from the foliage, bearing stunning clusters of delicate, striking red flowers. This catchfly has a place in wildflower gardens or English-style gardens, in borders or large beds. Give it a sunny or partially shaded position in the afternoon in a warm climate and it will look superb with American grasses such as Panicum, Schizachyriums, or Andropogons!

Silene regia belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a wild plant native to tall grass prairies in the centre of the United States where it has become rare due to the gradual disappearance of its habitat. In nature, it is found in prairies, edges, roadsides, and pastures, often on dry and rocky soils. This perennial quite rapidly reaches a mature height of about 1.20 m (4ft) (sometimes more) and a width of 50 cm (20in). It develops a fleshy taproot that goes deep into the soil. In spring, several upright stems emerge from the base, adorned with velvety oval to lanceolate leaves up to 12 centimetres (5 inches) long at the bottom of the stem. Flowering occurs from June to August, depending on the climate. The inflorescence develops at the top of the stems and consists of numerous flowers. Each flower measures about 5 cm (2in) in diameter and is composed of a tube that widens into 5 narrow, vibrant red lobes. The vegetation dries out in autumn.

Royal catchfly is not difficult to grow as long as it has well-drained soil. It is resistant to the cold, and drought-resistant once deeply rooted. There are many ways to use it, whether in a large wildflower bed or an English-style mixed border. Its scarlet flowering is perfectly complemented by the wild charm of grasses, ,blue Perovskias or bright yellow goldenrods. Summer blooming asters will also make lovely companions, or echinaceas, thistles, or perennial sunflowers, like Helianthus salicifolius.