Royal catchfly (Silene regia)

Also known as: Royal catchfly

Silene regia, also known as royal catchfly, is indigenous to the central United States. The plant features multiple upright stems that can reach heights of up to 1.6 meters. Its leaves are lanceolate to oval-shaped, measuring up to 12 cm in length and becoming progressively smaller as they ascend the stem. The plant's vibrant red flowers have corolla lobes that are 1 to 2 cm long.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Royal catchfly

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

91 cm to 1.8 m

Spread

Approximately 1 foot (30 cm)

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm)

Flower Color

Bright red

Images of Royal catchfly

Quickly Identify Royal catchfly

Look for tall, slender stems with bright red, star-shaped flowers featuring five petals. Leaves are lance-shaped and arranged oppositely on the stem.

Scientific Classification of Royal catchfly

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Caryophyllales

Family

Pink

Genus

Campions

Species

Royal catchfly

Planting and Growing of Royal catchfly

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

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 Royal catchfly?

For Silene regia, ensuring the soil remains barely moist without being waterlogged is crucial. A deep soak of about 250ml ensures the water reaches the root level, reducing the frequency while providing adequate hydration.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Royal catchfly? ›

What should I do if my Royal catchfly is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Royal catchfly? ›

How to save an overwatered Royal catchfly? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Royal catchfly?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours daily

Silene regia thrives best in full or partial sun environments, with 6-8 hours of sunlight daily significantly enhancing its flowering and growth. This ensures robust health, full foliage, and vibrant bloom display.

What are the ideal lighting conditions for Silene regia? ›

How to achieve ideal light conditions for Silene regia? ›

Benefits of ideal lighting conditions for Silene regia? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Royal catchfly?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Silene regia is between 65°F and 75°F. This range provides optimal conditions for growth and flowering, ensuring that the plant has enough warmth to stimulate metabolism and physiological processes while avoiding stress from excessive heat.

What Soil is Best for Royal catchfly?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Silene regia thrives best in well-drained soil, preventing root rot and allowing for adequate air circulation around the roots. This promotes healthy growth and vibrant blooms. This plant prefers soil with moderate levels of organic material that provides necessary nutrients without causing overly aggressive growth, which might otherwise weaken the plant's structure. While it requires moist soil conditions, it is crucial that the soil doesn't retain excessive water. Proper moisture levels ensure robust root development and effective nutrient uptake.

How to Fertilize Royal catchfly?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Silene regia, the recommended amount of fertilizer is moderate. Use approximately 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of a balanced liquid fertilizer per gallon of water for liquid applications. Solid fertilizers should be used sparingly, with no more than 1 tablespoon per square foot, ensuring the granules are evenly distributed around the base of the plant.

How to Prune Royal catchfly?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. Cut these at the base to prevent infection spreading to healthy parts. This initial step is crucial to maintain overall plant health. Focus on creating a balanced shape by trimming old flower heads and leggy stems. Keep cuts above a leaf node, encouraging new growth that will bear the next set of vibrant blooms. Once pruning is complete, give the plant a once-over for any missed stems or uneven growth. Ensuring an open center helps with air circulation, reducing the chance of fungal infections. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Royal catchfly plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer, Late autumn

To propagate Silene regia by seeds, collect the mature seeds and let them dry for a few days. Start by sowing the seeds in a well-draining seedling mix. Cover them lightly with soil and keep them moist until germination occurs.

Select healthy stems and cut approximately 4-6 inches long, ensuring at least two nodes are present. Remove the leaves from the lower half and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development.

Dig up the plant clump during the recommended season and gently separate the roots into smaller clumps. Replant the divisions in a prepared location and water them thoroughly to establish new growth.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Royal catchfly plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Silene regia should be repotted when the roots become crowded in their current pot, which is often noticeable when roots start to grow out of the drainage holes or become visible on the soil's surface. This usually happens every couple of years, signaling it’s time for repotting.

Select a pot slightly larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes to prevent water-logging. A clay pot is often beneficial as it allows air movement through the pot walls, reducing the risk of root rot by letting moisture escape more easily.

Opt for well-draining, sandy loam as it offers excellent drainage and aeration, crucial for Silene regia. This soil composition ensures roots have access to adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged, thus fostering healthy growth.