Silene alpestris

Silene alpestris
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Silene
Species:
S. alpestris
Binomial name
Silene alpestris

Silene alpestris, the alpine catch-fly, is a species of flowering plant in the pink family Caryophyllaceae, native to Europe in the mountains of Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia.[1] This spreading, mat-forming evergreen perennial grows to 15 centimetres (6 inches) tall by 30 cm (12 in) broad. It produces masses of tiny white flowers over a long period in spring and summer.[2]

A double-flowered cultivar, 'Flore Pleno', has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[3] 'Starry Dreams' is a more floriferous cultivar than the species.[4] All forms are suitable subjects for an alpine garden or rock garden with good drainage. Alkaline or neutral soils are preferred.

Some authorities regard S. alpestris as a synonym of Heliosperma alpestre.[5]

  1. ^ "Silene alpestris (SILAL)". EPPO Global Database. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  2. ^ "Silene alpestris". Gardener's World.com. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  3. ^ "Silene alpestris 'Flore Pleno'". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  4. ^ "Silene alpestris 'Starry Dreams'". Gardener's World.com. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
  5. ^ "Silene alpestris". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. Retrieved 30 January 2022.