Silene uniflora Maritima

Description and Characteristics

Silene uniflora 'Maritima', also known as Sea Campion or Maritime Catchfly, is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial native to coastal regions of Europe. It is admired for its neat silver-grey foliage, prostrate habit, and charming white to pale pink bell-shaped flowers, which appear from late spring to midsummer.

The plant spreads gently to form a soft, compact groundcover, making it perfect for rock gardens, coastal plantings, green roofs, and dry stone walls. Its tolerance for wind, salt, and poor soil makes it particularly well-suited to exposed seaside gardens or gravel beds.

Each flower is subtly inflated at the base and gently veined, adding a delicate and refined look to even the most rugged settings. The evergreen to semi-evergreen foliage consists of narrow, silvery leaves, providing year-round texture and colour, even when the plant is not in bloom.

• Low-growing mat with silvery, linear foliage

• Soft white to pale pink tubular flowers with inflated calyces

• Height: 10–15 cm; Spread: 30–50 cm

• Evergreen in mild climates

• Blooms from May to July, occasionally with a second flush

• Ideal for coastal gardens, alpine beds, troughs, and crevices

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Silene uniflora 'Maritima' is a hardy, easy-care perennial that thrives in dry, poor soils and full sun. It is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and perfect for challenging planting conditions.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers full sun for compact growth and best flowering

  • Will tolerate very light shade, though flowering may be reduced

• Soil Preferences:

  • Thrives in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil

  • Perfect for sandy, gritty, or rocky soil

  • Avoid heavy or waterlogged soil—good drainage is essential

• Watering Needs:

  • Water regularly during the establishment phase

  • Once established, is very drought-tolerant

  • Avoid overwatering—roots may rot in wet conditions

• Feeding:

  • Does not require feeding in fertile soil

  • In very poor soil, apply a light, low-nitrogen fertiliser in spring

• Pruning and Maintenance:

  • Deadhead spent flowers to prolong bloom and encourage neat growth

  • Trim back in late summer if growth becomes untidy

  • Remove winter-damaged foliage in early spring

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 4–9 (RHS H7)

  • Evergreen or semi-evergreen depending on climate

  • Protect from winter wet by ensuring excellent drainage

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Wildlife Value

Silene uniflora 'Maritima' is an excellent choice for low-maintenance, sun-loving plantings. It offers visual interest across seasons and is particularly useful in dry or difficult sites where few other perennials thrive.

• Design Applications:

  • Ideal for rockeries, gravel gardens, alpine troughs, and coastal borders

  • Great for green roofs, wall crevices, and container edges

  • A good choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic planting styles

• Companion Plants:

  • Combines well with other alpine or dry-loving plants like Thymus, Armeria maritima, Dianthus, Sedum, and Eryngium

  • Pairs nicely with grasses such as Festuca glauca or Carex

  • Works as a foil for bolder blooms like Eschscholzia or Lavandula

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Flowers attract bees, hoverflies, and small butterflies

  • Adds pollinator value in low-nutrient, dry environments

  • A helpful addition to biodiverse dryland and coastal schemes

• Container Use:

  • Perfect for alpine pots, shallow bowls, or rock garden containers

  • Use gritty, free-draining compost with little organic matter

  • Place in full sun, and water sparingly once established

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • Highly resistant to pests and diseases

  • Very rarely bothered by slugs or snails

  • Occasional dieback in overly wet or poorly drained soi

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.