| Silene asterias "Streamside Mullein" Caryophyllaceae Kathy Echols, Martinez The genus Silene embraces 600 species of annuals and perennials, very few considered garden-worthy. S. aterias is found in slighly differing forms in Greece, Albania, Yugoslavia, and Bulgaria. It invariably inhabits damp places at the sides of streams and in seeps at elevations from 4,500-6,000 feet and flowers from late May through July. The plants can reach a height of 40" but are narrow. The minimally foliated bloom stalks carry flower heads of deep crimson with purplish anthers and are up to 2" wide. This striking plant is easy to grow but rarely seen in gardens. Its preference is for acid, moist, peaty conditions in full sun. |