Moss campion (Silene acaulis)
Also known as: Compass plant
Moss campion (Silene acaulis) thrives in rocky, alpine areas and tundras, forming dense mats or mounds. It’s a popular choice for rock gardens because of its attractive tiny leaves and abundant pink or lavender summer blooms. Notably, the initial flowers often bloom on the south-facing side. Some moss campion plants in Alaska are known to live over 300 years.
In This Article
Attributes of Moss campion
Lifespan
Perennial, Annual, Biennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
2.5 cm to 5 cm
Spread
30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
2.5 cm
Flower Color
Pink White Purple
Images of Moss campion
Quickly Identify Moss campion
1
Low-growing cushion or mat-like form in cool climates.
2
Vivid green, tiny, lanceolate or linear evergreen leaves.
3
Diminutive star-shaped flowers, pink or white, with five notched petals.
4
Three-chambered capsule fruits releasing light brown seeds through toothed openings.
5
Basal, opposite, linear leaves densely covered with triangular hairs.
Scientific Classification of Moss campion
Phylum
Vascular plants
Class
Dicotyledons
Order
Caryophyllales
Family
Pink
Genus
Campions
Species
Moss campion
Planting and Growing of Moss campion
Care Difficulty
Easy
Watering Schedule
Every 2 days
Sunlight Requirements
Full sun
Sunshine Duration
6-8 hours
Ideal Temperature
50-60℉
Soil Type
Potting Mix, Peat Mix
Soil pH
6.5-7.5
Fertilizer Type
Balanced
Pruning Season
Spring, Summer
Pruning Area
Branches, Leaves
Pruning Frequency
2 times a year
Repotting Season
Spring
Pot Type
Plastic, Ceramic
How to Water Moss campion?
Silene acaulis requires a moderate amount of water. The goal is to keep the soil slightly until just moist without letting it become too saturated. Water around 150 milliliters per session suffices, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
What are the symptoms of an underwatered Moss campion?
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What should I do if my Moss campion is not getting enough water?
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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Moss campion?
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How to save an overwatered Moss campion?
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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Moss campion?
Silene acaulis benefits immensely from full sun, ensuring it receives ample sunlight each day. Ideal conditions will promote denser foliage, larger blooms, and a robust root system.
More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→
What is the best lighting condition for Silene acaulis?
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How can I ensure my Silene acaulis receives ideal lighting?
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What effects does ideal lighting have on Silene acaulis?
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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Moss campion?
The ideal temperature range for Silene acaulis is between 50°F and 60°F. This range provides the best conditions for growth, ensuring that the plant can thrive and maintain a healthy lifecycle. Staying within this range often leads to optimal flowering and overall plant vigor.
What Soil is Best for Moss campion?
Silene acaulis thrives in well-drained soil, which helps prevent root rot by allowing excess water to escape easily. This preference mimics its natural habitat where water drainage is key to its survival. This plant prefers soil with moderate nutrient levels. Overly rich soils can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering, while extremely poor soils might hinder its overall development. Silene acaulis grows best in soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5, providing a slightly acidic to neutral environment conducive to nutrient availability and absorption.
How to Fertilize Moss campion?
Silene acaulis, known as moss campion, requires careful fertilization due to its alpine origins. A light hand is needed, as too much fertilizer can be detrimental. Use half the recommended dose of a balanced liquid fertilizer when applying, ensuring that the plant isn't overwhelmed with nutrients.
How to Prune Moss campion?
Regularly remove faded or dead flowers to encourage new blooms and prolong the flowering season. This also helps in keeping the plant tidy. Trim back any woody or leggy growth to maintain the plant's dense, cushion-like appearance and to encourage the production of new, vigorous shoots. Plan your trimming during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to prevent stress from heat exposure.
More About Pruning Techniques→
How to Propagate Moss campion plant?
1
Collect seeds from mature Silene acaulis plants. Clean them to remove any debris and allow them to dry. Storing seeds in a cool, dry place will increase their viability for future planting.
2
Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the mother plant. Use a sharp knife to cut a 3-4 inch segment below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to reduce moisture loss.
3
Carefully dig up a mature Silene acaulis plant. Gently separate the roots to create smaller clumps, ensuring each new clump has a healthy root system. Replant the divisions promptly in well-draining soil.
How to Repot Moss campion plant?
1
Silene acaulis requires repotting when you notice visible roots emerging from the drainage holes or the plant's growth appears stunted. Early spring or summer is ideal, allowing it to settle and thrive as the growth season progresses.
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Choose a pot that is just one size larger than the current container. This prevents excess soil retaining too much moisture, which can lead to root rot. The pot should have adequate drainage holes to facilitate the flow of water.
3
Opt for a well-draining gravelly soil mix. This soil type replicates the plant's natural alpine habitat, ensuring it doesn't sit in water, which is vital for preventing root rot and supporting healthy growth.
