Royal Catchfly (Silene regia) is a bit awkward when not flowering, but do not let that fool you. When Silene regia is a mature plant it grows up to 4' in height. The flowers are crimson red and they attract hummingbirds. Silene regia grows best in very well-drained soil, but can grow in sandy soil and gravel. Royal Catchfly is rare due to loss of prairie habitat and is endangered in some states. The bright red flowers attract Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds and Black Swallowtail butterflies.

The sticky flower and stems trap small insects, giving this plant its common name Royal Catchfly. It is fairly easy to grow, but it is slower than others and it dislikes excessive shading. Royal Catchfly blooms June-August and makes an excellent garden plant. Good companion plants are Tall Larkspur (Delphinium exaltatum), Wild Quinine (Parthenium integrifolium), and Little Bluestem (Andropogon scoparius).

Another common name is Prairie Fire.

Seeds / Packet: 100
Seeds / Ounce: 23,000

Dormant bare root plants ship each year during optimal transplanting seasons: Spring (April - May) and Fall (October).

Potted plants come in a tray of 38 plants and ship late May through late July.  If you prefer to mix and match up to 4 species in a tray (at no additional charge), click here for the 'Mix and Match' tray option.