Although this plant is native to Tennessee, the Royal Catchfly or Seline Regia is rare due to loss of prairie habitat and is become endangered in some states! The scarlet, trumpeting flowers beckon to all the hummingbirds in the area, as well as Black Swallowtails. Smaller insects fall prey to the "catch" part of this plant: the stems and leaves are sticky. Although part of a carnivorous family, this head-turner does not gain nutrition from its captives. After getting stuck, the insects inevitably die. This presents another challenge for the plant. It isn't healthy to have rotting insects stuck all over it. This is where the digestive enzymes come in. They quickly breakdown the insect bodies, keeping them from becoming putrid. Nutrition for the plant is not part of process; instead, it appears to be a defensive process that prevents insects from feeding on the plant. Care Royal Catchfly is a long-lived perennial that will do well in sun or partial shade and average or moist soil. Requires loose, very well-drained soil; sand, gravel, or rocky loam work best. It develops a deep taproot and cannot tolerate soggy or waterlogged ground. Will grow in sandy soil and gravel. Royal Catchfly prefers being planted in a prepared bed with companions. Best grown as a perennial in zones 4-9. Growth Habit The bloom period is June-August for this excellent garden plant. We love this unique red flower in our gardens. At maturity, this plant reaches 24-48" tall and 16-20" wide. Toxicity Non-toxic to pets, though eating any garden foliage can sometimes cause mild stomach upset.
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