Red Campion Plant Care
Silene rubra Burnat
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Silene rubra is easily recognized by its vibrant, magenta-colored flowers that contrast beautifully against its silver-green foliage. Originating from the Mediterranean region, this plant is sought after by collectors for its striking appearance and ability to attract pollinators to the garden.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Red Campion?
Water Red Campion every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Red Campion Native To?
- Albania
- Argentina
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- French Guiana
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Nicaragua
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
What Is the Red Campion?
Red Campion (Silene rubra) belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family within the Silene genus. Red Campion is native to Europe and introduced to the Americas.
Red Campion displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Red Campion produces small, star-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Red Campion?
Silene rubra 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Red Campion Need?
Red Campion thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Red Campion Prefer?
Silene rubra grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Red Campion prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Red Campion?
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.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Red Campion?
Feed Red Campion every 2 months 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.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Red Campion?
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.
How Do You Propagate a Red Campion?
Red Campion can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine catchfly plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Red Campion Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Red Campion, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Red Campion?
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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Red Campion Need?
Red Campion grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Red Campion is native to Europe and introduced to the Americas.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Red Campion is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Silene genus — compare its care with other Silene species on PlantoScan.
Silene is part of the Caryophyllaceae plant family — browse all Caryophyllaceae genera and species.
Red Campion thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Silene Species
Other Silene species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Silene rubra Burnat, family Caryophyllaceae (first published in Fl. Alpes Marit. 1: 212 (1892)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Red Campion, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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