Silene regia, the royal catchfly, is a central to eastern US native wildflower which occurs in drier or rocky soils in open woods, wood margins and prairies. It is a clump-forming perennial which grows 3-4' tall. Small clusters of 5-petaled, scarlet red flowers (2" across) appear in summer. The sticky calyx can trap or "catch" small insects, hence the common name. Long, slender, often reclining stems. 10-20 pairs of downy, lance-shaped leaves (to 5" long). Similar to fire pink (Silene virginica), except royal catchfly is taller and blooms later, leaves are thicker and flower petals lack notches. Silene is in the same family as Lychnis and Dianthus.
Grow it in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers a sandy or gravelly soil. Excellent drainage is essential for growing this plant.
There are no serious insect or disease problems. Taller plants may need some support (other tall plants, or grasses).
Best grown in part shade or full sun in wildflower gardens, native plant gardens, woodland gardens or cottage gardens or borders.
