Red Campion Seeds (Silene dioica)

A soft, cottage-style perennial with vibrant rose-pink flowers that bring long-lasting colour to hedgerows, woodland edges and wildflower meadows. A generous flowerer and an important early nectar source, it adds charm and structure to any wildlife-friendly planting.

Key Features:

• Loved by bees, moths and early pollinators
• A long-flowering perennial, returning year after year
• Ideal for lightly shaded areas and woodland margins
• Approx. 1000 seeds per 1g

Red Campion (Silene dioica) is a naturally soft and graceful wildflower that brings a burst of colour just when many early spring flowers are fading. Its vivid pink blooms appear from April onwards and continue well into late summer, held on upright, branching stems above leafy green foliage.

This is a hardy perennial or short-lived biennial depending on conditions, but it often self-seeds gently and returns year after year once established. The foliage is mid-green and slightly hairy, forming clumps at the base with taller stems reaching up to 90 cm when in full flower.

Red Campion is particularly at home in semi-shaded environments, it’s well adapted to hedgerows, woodland edges and dappled glades, though it also performs well in open meadow settings, especially in areas that retain a bit of moisture. It adds welcome colour to parts of the garden or landscape where other wildflowers may struggle, and is a valuable addition to any naturalistic planting scheme.

The bright, open blooms are rich in nectar and are often one of the first to be visited by emerging insects in spring.

Red Campion can be sown either in spring (March to May) or autumn (August to October). Autumn sowing is often preferable as it mimics natural cycles and gives plants a head start the following spring.

Prepare the ground by clearing weeds and lightly raking the surface to create a fine tilth. Scatter the seed evenly and press into the soil, a very light covering of soil or compost (no more than 5 mm) is sufficient.

In its first year, Red Campion may flower if sown early, but typically it will establish foliage and begin flowering from the second year. Once established, it forms a reliable, low-maintenance presence in the sward.

Cutting is only needed once a year if being managed as part of a meadow. In garden borders or woodland edges, deadheading can extend the flowering period, though the seed heads also offer value to wildlife and support natural regeneration. Red Campion is tolerant of partial shade and prefers moist but well-drained soils. It will not thrive in very dry, exposed sites but is otherwise adaptable and resilient.

For garden applications direct sow at 1g/m2. For overseeding existing meadow planting or for new sowings on larger areas sow at a maximum of 2g/m2.

Perfect for hedgerows, woodland edges, shady verges and meadow margins, Red Campion is an early and long-lasting source of nectar. It supports bees, hoverflies and moths, including some night-flying pollinators, and adds reliable structure to wildlife areas. Its ability to self-seed in suitable conditions makes it a natural fit for rewilding projects and informal planting schemes.

We offer a flat shipping rate of £5.99.

Garden lawn seed, wildflower seeds, and wildflower seed mixtures are typically dispatched within 1 to 3 working days.

Products from our agricultural, landscaping, and equine ranges may be shipped separately as they are mixed to order.

We aim to ensure customer satisfaction with all products supplied. If you experience any issues with your order, please contact us at info@kentseeds.co.uk within 5 working days of the dispatch date, quoting your order number and a detailed description of the issue.

Read our full Delivery & Returns policy here.

Q1: Does Red Campion flower in the first year?

A: It may flower lightly if sown early in spring, but typically it establishes in the first season and begins full flowering from the second year.

Q2: Can it grow in shade?

A: Yes, Red Campion is very well suited to partial shade and dappled light. It thrives along woodland edges, under trees and in sheltered spots.

Q3: How tall does it grow?

A: Flowering stems usually reach 60–90 cm, depending on soil, competition and exposure. The basal leaves remain lower to the ground.

Q4: Will it spread?

A: Red Campion self-seeds modestly in the right conditions. It’s not invasive but will gently naturalise, especially if seed heads are left to ripen.