This charming native wildflower produces masses of vibrant deep pink flowers held above fresh green foliage from late spring through summer. Compact and floriferous, Silene dioica ‘Valley High’ brings natural meadow-like beauty to borders, wildlife gardens, and pollinator-friendly planting schemes. Its bright blooms provide a valuable nectar source for insects and add a splash of colour to sunny or lightly shaded spaces.
Silene dioica ‘Valley High’, commonly known as Red Campion, is a selected garden form of one of Britain’s most recognisable woodland wildflowers. With a more compact habit and prolific flowering display than the wild species, it combines the charm of a native plant with improved garden performance. Easy to grow and fully hardy, it is an excellent choice for naturalistic planting schemes and cottage gardens.
Perennial
Herbaceous, Compact, Wildlife Friendly, Long Flowering
Flowers: May to August
Foliage: March to October
Scientific Name
Silene dioica ‘Valley High’ (two-house campion)
Synonyms
Previously known as Lychnis dioica.
Common Name
Red Campion
Origin
The species Silene dioica is native to the United Kingdom, much of Europe, and parts of western Asia. ‘Valley High’ is a cultivated selection chosen for its compact habit and abundant flowering.
Pruning Tips
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming and prevent excessive self-seeding. Cut back old foliage in autumn or leave seedheads standing through winter for wildlife before tidying in early spring.
Wildlife Value
An excellent plant for wildlife gardens. The flowers attract bees, butterflies, moths, and other pollinating insects, while the dense foliage can provide shelter for beneficial garden wildlife.
Positioning
Grows well in full sun or partial shade. Ideal for cottage gardens, wildlife borders, woodland edges, meadow-style planting, and naturalistic schemes.
Water
Water regularly while establishing. Once established, plants are generally low maintenance and tolerate short periods of dry weather, although they perform best in moderately moist soil.
Soil
Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Adapts well to clay, loam, and chalk soils and is tolerant of a range of garden conditions.
Food
Apply a balanced fertiliser or mulch with garden compost in spring to support healthy growth and flowering. Additional feeding is rarely necessary in reasonably fertile soil.
Pet-safe
No significant toxicity to cats, dogs, or horses has been widely reported. As with all ornamental plants, consumption should still be discouraged.
Sprouts Top Tips
Plant alongside other British native wildflowers such as oxeye daisies, knapweeds, and yarrow to create a vibrant pollinator-friendly display that flowers over a long season.
Did You Know?
The species name dioica means “two houses” and refers to the fact that male and female flowers are usually produced on separate plants. Red Campion is one of the most familiar wildflowers of British hedgerows, woodland edges, and country lanes.
