Silene maritima 'Weisskelschen'

Horticultural selection of the coastal perennial from the Caryophyllaceae family. The name, of German origin, refers to the light calyx, a well-visible characteristic on this plant.

The type species is native to the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Western Europe, from cliffs and coastal rocks exposed to sea spray. This selection forms a generous clump, significantly more developed and bushy than other forms of the species, covered with a multitude of small simple white flowers with fringed petals, borne on thin, upright stems that give it an airy and light appearance, quite different from the usual prostrate character of Silene uniflora. The calyxes, very pale, almost green to greenish, contrast little with the white petals, contributing to the uniformly light appearance of the plant in bloom.

The foliage is medium green, narrow, and dense. In its natural habitat, the flowering of the type species extends from May to August; in cultivation, this selection blooms from May to about July.

Like all forms of the species, it requires well-drained soil, poor to moderately fertile, in full sun, and dreads excess winter moisture. Suitable for rock gardens and walls.