Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
Perennial wildflower found in open wasteground, hedgerows and meadows. Flowers May to October, producing large white flowers, scented in the evenings. Grows to about 3 ft (1 m) high. Member of the Pink family. Silene comes from Silenus, the Greek satyr and god.
Was believed that picking this flower would lead to your mother's death. In Luxemburg, picking the plant would bring thunder. In Cumberland it was often known as White Riding Hood.
Food plant of the Marbled Coronet, Marbled Clover and Sandy Carpet moths.
Deadhead regularly to keep it flowering. Cut down to basal rosette of leaves in late autumn.