Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

Royal Catchfly

Silene regia
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Prairie, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Red
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

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Red flowers and green foliage of Silene regia
Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure 
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Hummingbird
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant
Size

Height:

24 to
36
inches

Spread:

12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 24 to
36
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Size
Height: 24 to
36
inches
Spread: 12 to
18
inches
Typical Landscape Use
An excellent garden plant and a great addition to a perennial border, butterfly garden, naturalized area, prairie or wildflower meadow.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in full sun in very well-drained soil. Will grow in sandy soil and gravel.
Special Features
Special Usage
Basic Description

Brilliant red, 2 in. flowers bloom June-August providing nectar for hummingbirds. The sticky flowers trap small insects, giving the plant its common name. This plant is similar to Fire Pink (Silene virginica) except Royal Catchfly is taller and blooms later in the season. Unlike Fire Pink, Royal Catchfly prefers being planted in a prepared bed with companions. It does best with companion plants like Little Bluestem, Prairie Dropseed, or Missouri Black-eyed Susans to help support it. It naturally occurs on savannas and prairies. A relatively short-lived plant that will self-sow.

Where Should I Start?

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What’s the Next Step?

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

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