Starry Dreams (Silene)

(6-8 in/15-20 cm) A first year flowering perennial. Small star shaped upward facing, pure white flowers grows above the compact fresh green leaf cushion like foliage. Plant height is 4-5 in/15-20 cm. Excellent plant for ground cover use, at the front of borders or in rock or alpine gardens. Hardiness zone: 5-8. Pkt contains 20 seeds.

SILENE (Catchfly)

Annual Approx. 258,000 seeds per oz/28 g

CULTURE: Germinate at 60-65°F/16-18°C for 10 days. Allow 3-4 weeks before transplanting. Transplant 2 weeks before last frost in your specific area. Space young plants 8-10 in/20-25 cm apart. Sow seed directly outdoors in groups before last spring frost e.g. when iris are in bloom. Blooms from June through August in most areas. This is a beautiful hardy annual, upright cut flower originating from the Ukraine. Plant has moderate frost tolerance. It is considered an easy to grow plant and prefers a location in sun or partial shade. Slightly acidic soil is required for healthy growth. Its versatility makes it suitable for rock gardens, borders, meadows, planters and pots. Ideal as a background for spring flowering bulbs. Water only when dry and do not over-fertilize. When feeding other annuals, skip a feeding for silene, this should produce optimum results. Silene will bloom up to 6 weeks following the above recommendations. Also called catchfly because the leaves of some species have a "sticky" substance that has the ability to trap tiny flies. Silene, from the Greek salion or saliva, refers to this secretion on the leaves and stems.