Sea Campion (Silene uniflora) | Coastal Flowering Perennial 4 inch

Description

Commonly known as:
Sea Campion, Seaside Campion, One-Flowered Campion

Description of Plant:
Silene uniflora is a charming, low-growing perennial native to coastal regions of Europe. It produces delicate white flowers with distinctive inflated, balloon-like calyxes above soft blue-green foliage. From late spring through summer, the blooms add a graceful touch to rock gardens and borders. In addition, Sea Campion tolerates salty coastal air and attracts small pollinating insects, making it a lovely choice for Southern California coastal gardens.

Growth Habit:
This compact, mounding perennial typically grows 4–8 inches tall and spreads 12–18 inches wide. Its trailing stems form a soft cushion of foliage that spills gently over rocks, walls, and container edges.

Watering Instructions:
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, provide occasional deep watering and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid prolonged drought during extreme heat.

Soil Needs:
Prefers well-draining sandy, rocky, or gravelly soil. Excellent drainage helps prevent root rot, especially during warm weather.

Sun Requirements:
Thrives in full sun along the coast. However, in hotter inland areas of Southern California, provide morning sun and afternoon shade to protect plants from excessive heat.

Indoor or Outdoor Tips:
Best grown outdoors in coastal gardens, rock gardens, raised beds, and containers. It performs especially well in cooler coastal climates and may struggle with prolonged inland summer heat.

Perennial or Annual:
Perennial in Southern California, especially in mild coastal areas. It may be short-lived in hotter inland locations.

Additional Tips:
Sea Campion provides delicate flowers that attract small bees and other pollinating insects. Its blue-green foliage also adds attractive texture between flowering periods. In addition, its tolerance for coastal wind and salt spray makes it useful in seaside landscapes. Avoid heavy fertilization and excessive watering to maintain compact growth.