Silene

Name: Silene spp. and cvs.
Zones: 3 to 9
Size: 2 to 32 inches tall and 6 to 24 inches wide
Conditions: Full sun to light shade; moderately fertile, well-drained soil

Few genera are as varied in growth habit and form as Silene, which ranges from tiny alpines to giant border monsters. The one thing all members of the genus share is an accommo­dating temperament to grow from seed. You are apt to end up with plants of annual sweet William catchfly ( S. armeria , right) whether you sow this seed or not because it is a prolific self-sower, is often sent out under different names, and can be a rogue in many packets of other species seed. ‘Persian Carpet’ catchfly ( S. schafta ‘Persian Carpet’, Zones 4–8) makes a good rock-garden or trough plant.