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Description
Silene Vulgaris, commonly known as the bladder campion, is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and is widely distributed throughout the continent. This plant is known for its distinctive inflated calyx, which looks like a bladder and is pale green in color. The leaves of the Silene Vulgaris are lance-shaped and have a bluish-green color. The flowers are white and bloom from June to August.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus | Silene |
Appearance
Silene Vulgaris is a perennial plant that can grow up to 60 cm in height. The leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, with a bluish-green color that makes them stand out. The flowers are white and bloom in clusters, with each flower having five petals. The most distinctive feature of the Silene Vulgaris is its inflated calyx, which looks like a bladder and is pale green in color. The calyx can measure up to 2 cm in length and has five teeth at the top.
Care Guide
Silene Vulgaris is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here is a detailed care guide:Water: Silene Vulgaris prefers moist soil, but make sure not to overwater it as it can cause root rot. Water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.Fertilization: Silene Vulgaris does not require regular fertilization. You can apply a slow-release fertilizer once a year in the spring.Soil: Silene Vulgaris prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is ideal for this plant.Sunlight: Silene Vulgaris prefers full sun but can also grow in partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Silene Vulgaris can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Silene Vulgaris is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. To prevent these diseases, make sure to provide adequate air circulation and avoid overhead watering. In terms of pests, aphids and spider mites can occasionally infest Silene Vulgaris. You can control these pests by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap.
Habitat
Silene Vulgaris is native to Europe and Asia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, fields, and woodland edges. It prefers well-draining soil and can grow in both full sun and partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Silene Vulgaris grow in containers?
A: Yes, Silene Vulgaris can grow in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the container has drainage holes.Q: How often should I water Silene Vulgaris?
A: Water Silene Vulgaris when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.Q: Does Silene Vulgaris attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Silene Vulgaris is attractive to bees and butterflies.Q: Is Silene Vulgaris invasive?
A: No, Silene Vulgaris is not considered invasive.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Silene Vulgaris:
- Silene dioica
- Silene armeria
- Silene flos-cuculi
- Silene uniflora
References
- https://www.gardenia.net/plant-variety/silene-vulgaris-bladder-campion
- https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/silene_vulgaris.shtml
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/59979/Silene-vulgaris/Details
