When does Silene regia bloom?

Royal catchfly typically flowers from June through August, producing clusters of bright red tubular blooms atop stiff upright stems.

What pollinators visit royal catchfly?

The tubular red flowers of Silene regia are well suited to hummingbirds, and swallowtail butterflies also visit for nectar.

How much water does royal catchfly need?

Once established, this plant tolerates low water and dry spells well, though it also performs fine with moderate moisture in well drained soil.

What growing conditions does royal catchfly prefer?

It grows best in full sun to light part sun, in open prairie or savanna type settings with well drained soil and good air circulation around its upright stems.

Does royal catchfly spread aggressively in a garden bed?

No, it tends to form an upright clump rather than spreading by runners, so it works well as a specimen or in small groupings within a sunny border.

Royal catchfly

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Silene regia

Last reviewed: September 2026

Royal catchfly (Silene regia) is a tall prairie forb with brilliant scarlet flowers that bloom from June through August. It thrives in full sun with low water needs and draws hummingbirds and swallowtail butterflies.

Toxicity unknown

Royal catchfly (Silene regia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, GA, IL and 6 more states

Pollinators

hummingbirds, swallowtail butterflies

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark Highlands Interior River Valleys and Hills

A tall prairie catchfly with brilliant scarlet star-shaped flowers on stiff upright stems. It is deep-rooted, long-lived, and slow to establish, preferring full sun and well-drained soil in open sunny plantings.

Growing Royal catchfly

Grow Royal catchfly in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.

How to care for Royal catchfly, by region

How to care for Royal catchfly where it is actually grown: year-round basics plus what to do each season, region by region, with the sources for each.

Care guidance last updated: October 2026

Ridge and Valley (includes Harrisburg, PA)

Year-round

Royal catchfly likes part shade to sun and dry, rocky or well-drained soil.

Plant in part shade with dry soil.
Avoid soggy spots. Rocky soils suit it.
Blooms run from about May to September.

Fall

Fall is a quiet time.

Cut back spent stems if you like a tidy look.
Hold off on fertilizer.
Fall is a fine time to plant if you water through dry spells.

Winter

Winter needs no action.

Leave it alone through the cold.
Do not add extra mulch that holds moisture against the crown.
Look for new shoots in spring.

Spring

Spring is planting and early growth time.

Plant young plants once frost danger is over.
Choose a spot with dry, well-drained soil.
Water new plants until roots settle in.

Summer

Summer is bloom season.

Flowers show from May into September.
Let the soil dry between waterings.
Avoid keeping it wet.

Sources: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Silene regia

Wildlife value

One of the few true red-flowered prairie forbs, pollinated primarily by ruby-throated hummingbirds and large swallowtails.

Common questions

When does Silene regia bloom?: Royal catchfly typically flowers from June through August, producing clusters of bright red tubular blooms atop stiff upright stems.
What pollinators visit royal catchfly?: The tubular red flowers of Silene regia are well suited to hummingbirds, and swallowtail butterflies also visit for nectar.
How much water does royal catchfly need?: Once established, this plant tolerates low water and dry spells well, though it also performs fine with moderate moisture in well drained soil.
What growing conditions does royal catchfly prefer?: It grows best in full sun to light part sun, in open prairie or savanna type settings with well drained soil and good air circulation around its upright stems.
Does royal catchfly spread aggressively in a garden bed?: No, it tends to form an upright clump rather than spreading by runners, so it works well as a specimen or in small groupings within a sunny border.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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