Silene uniflora 'Rosea'

Horticultural selection of the coastal perennial from the Caryophyllaceae family.

The type species occupies cliffs, sands, and rocky areas of the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Western Europe, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Scandinavian shores. It forms low, spreading clumps, generally not exceeding 15 cm, with dark green foliage, slightly fleshy and evergreen — noticeably greener than the glaucous hue of the type form, as can be observed here.

In this selection, the simple flowers are a soft to medium pink, with fringed petals, borne on slender stems above the foliage. The flower buds, characteristically swollen and streaked with bright pink-purple, are one of the ornaments unique to the genus Silene and fully contribute to the plant's appeal. In its natural habitat, the type species blooms from May to August; in cultivation, 'Rosea' generally blooms from May to July.

It requires a perfectly drained soil, poor to moderately fertile, in a sunny exposure. It tolerates windy exposure and moderate summer drought well, but dreads stagnant moisture in winter. Suitable for rock gardens, walls, and alpine troughs.