Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height: 2.5cm- 15cm/1-6in, width: 30cm/12in

Silenes, members of the carnation family, are commonly known as campions. Two perennial species are suitable for the rock garden; both are spreading plants bearing delicate pink flowers throughout the summer.

GROWING Plant in autumn or spring in well-drained soil on a sunny site.

PROPAGATION Take 4cm/1.5in cuttings of healthy outer shoots in summer. Place in a peat/sand mixture in a cold frame until rooted. Pot up individually in compost, overwinter in the frame and plant out the following autumn. Silenes resent root disturbance.

SPECIES S. acaulis (moss campion or cushion pink), prostrate, tightly packed tiny leaves, may be slow to flower; S. schafta, easy to grow, reaches 15cm/6in high, deep pink flowers; tolerates some shade.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Generally trouble-free.