Description
French catchfly (Silene gallica var. quinquevulnera), also known as small-flowered catchfly, is an uncommon annual that grows in loose mounds to about 1 foot tall, with tiny, somewhat sticky, green leaves and small white flowers with red markings on each of the five petals. Here, from seeds I direct-sowed in mid-April this year, it flowered freely from June well into July, with some additional flowers appearing into August. It’s not a “wow” plant, but it’s a cute little thing that’s charming along a path or walkway or at the front of a bed or border, particularly in a cottage-style garden. French catchfly self-sows freely, and the seedlings that appear in late summer into fall often overwinter and bloom earlier the following spring.
Harvested in July 2022. Annual. At least 25 seeds.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
Julie Vance (verified owner) –
Marcia Spoor (verified owner) –
Deanna (verified owner) –
Excellent germination and seedling survival rate. Right now they are in pots. Nan’s description of small flowers without the “wow” factor is accurate. If you like delicate small flowers, they are ideal. They are perfect for their little planters, which allows me to put them in a place where they can be noticed. Actually, it’s nice to have a potted plant that isn’t screaming for attention. Their small pretty flowers are serene and zen-like.
William Larson (verified owner) –
Great little plants! They germinate quickly and flower in only a month or so after: I sowed in the greenhouse in early May and they started blooming in late June.
Kathy (verified owner) –
Seed not sown yet.