Cretan Catchfly (Silene cretica)

Cretan Catchfly

Silene cretica

Its delicate pink blooms add soft charm to rocky gardens. Low-growing perennial wildflower; common name: Cretan Catchfly.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; thrives in rocky, exposed growing sites
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Watering Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil dries out; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to mild frosts; prefers cool to temperate daytime temperatures
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Narrow linear to lanceolate gray-green leaves, densely covered in fine hairs
  • Flower: Five-petaled pink to pale purple blooms with notched petal tips
  • Stem: Slender trailing stems with glandular hairs to deter herbivores
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; allow top layer to dry between waterings

Fertilization

Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 4 weeks. Use low-fertility feed to preserve compact growth habit

Eggshell powder top-dress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface every 3 months to boost drainage and calcium levels without over-fertilizing
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage extended flowering
  • Trim back leggy stems in late autumn to maintain a compact mat form
  • Remove yellowed or damaged foliage to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental rock garden plant; supports native pollinators like bees and butterflies