Planting and Growing the Fire Pink

Also known as scarlet catchfly, the fire pink is a member of the pink family of plants. It is native to the United States and botanically called Silene virginica.

Fire Pink Description

Growing one to two feet high, this perennial has weak stems and narrow leaves. Foliage is opposite and green. Flowers are red and tubular with notched lobes on the five petals that come off of the base. They are in clusters and on the tops of the stems. Bloom season is April through August, with a mid-spring typical bloom and a mid-summer possible bloom. It has a tap root.

Growing Guide

Grow a fire pink in partial shade with an acidic well-drained soil. Soil can be dry or moist but for lighting it will not do well in deep shade. Propagate by seeds, division, or softwood cuttings. Seed can be sown fresh or if it is to be stored, will need three to four weeks of cold-moist stratification. Division should be early spring or late fall. It is a short lived perennial.

Distribution

This native is found in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. It is seen in rocky slopes and in open woods.

Wildlife Attracted

Hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted to fire pink for its flowers. The seeds will bring birds such as sparrows, horned larks, juncos, and water pipits to the landscape.

Source: NPIN