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Description
Silene Verecunda, commonly known as Cushion Pink, is a perennial plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. This beautiful plant is native to the western regions of North America, including Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. The plant is known for its unique appearance, small pink flowers, and cushion-like growth habit. Cushion Pink is a popular choice for rock gardens, alpine gardens, and borders.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Silene |
| Species | Verecunda |
Appearance
Cushion Pink is a small plant that typically grows up to 15 cm tall and 30 cm wide. The plant has a cushion-like growth habit, with dense foliage and pink flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. The leaves are small, narrow, and gray-green in color, while the flowers are star-shaped, with five petals that are pink or pale pink in color. The plant is known for its unique appearance, making it an excellent addition to any garden.
Care Guide
Cushion Pink is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some care tips for this beautiful plant:- Water: Cushion Pink prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant regularly during the growing season, and reduce watering in winter.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: Cushion Pink prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0).- Sunlight: Cushion Pink prefers full sun to partial shade. Provide the plant with at least six hours of sunlight per day.- Hardiness Zones: Cushion Pink is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cushion Pink is susceptible to some pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small insects can damage the plant by sucking the sap from the leaves and stems. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids.- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaf discoloration and distortion. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control spider mites.- Root rot: This fungal disease can occur if the plant is overwatered or the soil is poorly drained. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and reduce watering if root rot is suspected.
Habitat
Cushion Pink is native to the western regions of North America, where it grows in rocky, mountainous areas, and meadows. The plant prefers well-draining soil and is adapted to cold climates.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cushion Pink grow in containers?
A: Yes, Cushion Pink can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container has drainage holes.
Q: Is Cushion Pink deer-resistant?
A: Yes, Cushion Pink is deer-resistant.
Q: How often should I fertilize Cushion Pink?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: How do I propagate Cushion Pink?
A: Cushion Pink can be propagated by division in the spring, or by taking stem cuttings in the summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cushion Pink:- Silene Acaulis- Silene Armeria- Silene Druveilheri- Silene Fimbriata- Silene Maritima
References
– “Silene verecunda.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c300.- “Silene verecunda.” PlantFiles, Dave’s Garden, davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/131247/.
