Silene dioica – Red Campion (Coireán coilleach)

Named after Silenus, the merry god of the woodlands in Greek mythology, this native wildflower is a delicate beauty mostly found in shady hedgerows and woods although it can stand full sun. Hairy stalks growing up to 1m high, it bears pinkish-red flowers of about an inch wide, in loose cymes from May until September. A dainty plant for in the wildflower scheme or woodland garden, and slugs tend to leave it alone.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Well-drained
Position: Full sun to part shade
Season of Interest: Perennial, pink flowers May-Sept
Hardiness: Hardy
Height: 1.5ft (0.45m) Spread: 1.5ft (0.45m)