Contents
Description
Silene Bellidioides, commonly known as Mountain Campion, is a perennial herb that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia, and it grows up to 30 cm in height. The plant has a basal rosette of leaves and produces a single stem with a few branches that bear flowers. The flowers are white or pink and have five petals, which are deeply notched. The plant blooms from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Silene |
Appearance
Silene Bellidioides has lance-shaped leaves that are about 2-5 cm long and 5-15 mm wide. The leaves are dark green and have a hairy texture. The stems are erect and have a reddish color. The flowers are about 2 cm in diameter and have five deeply notched petals. The petals are white or pink and have a delicate texture. The plant produces a capsule-like fruit that contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Silene Bellidioides prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The plant requires moderate watering, and it should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°C. Silene Bellidioides is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Silene Bellidioides is prone to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. The plant may also be attacked by aphids and spider mites. To prevent fungal diseases, it is essential to provide good air circulation around the plant. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Silene Bellidioides is native to the mountainous regions of Europe and Asia. The plant grows in alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and open woodland. It prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and can tolerate temperatures down to -20°C.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Silene Bellidioides a good plant for a rock garden?
A: Yes, Silene Bellidioides is an excellent choice for a rock garden because it prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate rocky slopes.
Q: Can Silene Bellidioides be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Silene Bellidioides can be grown in a container as long as the soil is well-drained and the container has adequate drainage holes.
Q: How often should Silene Bellidioides be fertilized?
A: Silene Bellidioides should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Q: How can I prevent powdery mildew on my Silene Bellidioides plant?
A: To prevent powdery mildew, provide good air circulation around the plant and avoid watering the leaves.
Related Plants
- Silene Vulgaris
- Silene Armeria
- Silene Fimbriata
- Silene Capensis
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (2021). Silene Bellidioides. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b430
- RHS. (2021). Silene Bellidioides. Retrieved from https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9736/silene-bellidioides/details
- Plantlife. (2021). Silene Bellidioides. Retrieved from https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/discover-wild-plants-nature/plant-fungi-species/mountain-campion
