Red Campion (Silene dioica) is a herbaceous perennial commonly found in shady woodlands, hedgerows, and naturalised garden spaces across Britain. Its stiff, branched stems carry clusters of vivid pink flowers, each with five deeply notched petals that stand out beautifully against its soft green foliage. A valuable native wildflower for wildlife gardens and naturalistic plantings, Red Campion attracts a variety of pollinating insects including bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. It grows best on moist but free-draining soils and is particularly well suited to slightly sheltered or partially shaded areas where many meadow species struggle to thrive. For best establishment, avoid sowing on strongly acidic soils. Seed coverageA 3 g packet contains approximately 3000 seeds, enough to sow a minimum of 3–4 m² at a dense rate. For a lighter, more natural planting, the same packet can cover a larger area depending on spacing and site conditions. The seeds are of UK origin and are not treated with any chemicals. Sowing Instructions Scatter seeds onto a fine, weed-free seedbed and gently rake in. Keep the soil moist to ensure successful germination. Flowering usually occurs in the second season and thereafter. Cut away any stems that become colonised by aphids. In late autumn, dead vegetation can be cut and removed. Fresh shoots will emerge again the following spring.
