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Description
Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella, also known as red catchfly, is a flowering plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is an annual herb that grows up to 30 cm in height and 10 cm in width. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but can also be found in North America, particularly in the western United States. Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella blooms from May to August, producing small, bright red flowers that attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus||————|————|————–|————|—————|—————-|————|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Tracheophyta | Magnoliopsida | Caryophyllales | Caryophyllaceae | Silene|
Appearance
Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella has narrow, lance-shaped leaves that are bluish-green in color. The leaves grow in a rosette at the base of the plant, and are arranged alternately along the stem. The stem is somewhat hairy and has a reddish tinge. The flowers are small, measuring around 1 cm in diameter, and have five petals that are bright red in color. The plant produces a capsule-like fruit that contains numerous tiny seeds.
Care Guide
Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella is a hardy plant that requires minimal care. It grows best in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering. Fertilization is not necessary, but occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer can promote healthy growth. Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella is generally pest-free, but can be susceptible to aphids and spider mites. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant may also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. Regular inspection and treatment with fungicides can prevent these diseases from spreading.
Habitat
Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella is commonly found in dry, rocky areas such as hillsides, cliffs, and meadows. It can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and fields. The plant is able to tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella poisonous?
A: No, Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella is not poisonous.
Q: Can Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella be grown indoors?
A: While Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella can be grown indoors, it prefers to be grown outdoors in full sun.
Q: How often should I water Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella?
A: Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella is drought-tolerant and requires only occasional watering. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Q: When is the best time to plant Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella?
A: The best time to plant Silene Rubella Subsp. Rubella is in the spring, after the last frost.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Caryophyllaceae family:- Silene acaulis- Silene coronaria- Silene dioica- Silene gallica- Silene latifolia- Silene vulgaris
References
– “Silene rubella.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286246.- “Red Catchfly (Silene rubella).” Illinois Wildflowers, www.illinoiswildflowers.info/prairie/plantx/red_catchflyx.htm.- “Silene rubella subsp. rubella.” Plants for a Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Silene+rubella+subsp.+rubella.
