Moss Campion Facts: Growing Moss Campion In The Garden
04.10.2023 - 03:51
/ gardeningknowhow.com
Moss campion plant (Silene acaulis) is a rock garden plant native to the Arctic tundra and high mountains of Europe and North America. In the U.S., it is confined to the Western mountains and New England, particularly Maine and New Hampshire. Its mat-forming, evergreen foliage is found tucked away in elevations too high for trees to grow, with harsh winters and short summers. While it cannot survive in the shade, it prefers moist soil.
Also called cushion pink, this perennial herb thrives in USDA hardiness zones 2-9 and is part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Moss campion Silene bears tiny, star-like flowers in late spring.
Moss campion cushion pink grows in gritty, fast-draining soil in full sun. It slowly spreads an evergreen carpet up to 1 inch high (1-3 cm) that is perfect for rock gardens, containers, or those hard-to-fill spots at concrete intersections. Moss campion accepts light foot traffic, making it an ideal groundcover between pavers.
In late spring to early summer, tiny five-petaled flowers about 0.4 inch (1 cm) across in pink, lavender, red, or white adorn the ground-hugging mounds. It easily spreads from 6 to 12 inches (15-30 cm) Its long taproots keep it firmly anchored wherever it grows.
Moss campion is a tough perennial that prefers moist, sandy soil and cool summers. Heat and humidity can stifle its growth. It is not picky about soil pH, and in its native habitat, soil fertility is poor.
Moss campion cushion pink is not usually bothered by pests or diseases and is a trouble-free perennial.
Moss campion plant propagates easily from seed or stem cuttings. It will reseed readily on its own or from purchased or collected seed. Collect seeds in late summer just as the seed pods begin to split. Seeds should be tan