Red Campion Plant Care

Red Campion (Silene dioica) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Silene genus. Red Campion is native to Europe and introduced to the Americas. Red Campion is also known as Campion, Flower of Paradise, Fairy Flower.

Red Campion displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Red Campion produces small, star-shaped flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Silene dioica requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Red Campion thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Silene dioica grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Red Campion prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Red Campion to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Red Campion every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

Red Campion can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine catchfly plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Red Campion is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Red Campion grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. Red Campion is native to Europe and introduced to the Americas.