Fire Pink (Silene virginica)

Fire pink is a superb plant in full sun and well-drained, sandy soil. It begins blooming as hummingbirds arrive in April & May. Like royal catchfly (S. regia), its stems are sticky and slightly hairy. This discourages ants and other insects from stealing the nectar that hummingbirds need. It differs from royal catchfly by blooming earlier, growing shorter, and having notches in the flower petals. Fire pink is a short-lived perennial that may need to be replaced periodically. It is fairly easy to grow from seed, which needs only a few weeks of cold-moist stratification.

Uses: Showy flowers, hummingbirds
Bloom time: April & May

Height: 10 to 16 inches
Space: 12 to 18 inches

Sun: Sun to medium shade
Moisture: Dry to average