Silene cythnia (somethimes mis-spelled "cynthia") is a perennial catchfly, related to S. italica though larger flowered, and endemic to the Greek islands of the Cyclades (Amorgos, Andimilos, Folegandros, Kea, Kimolos, Kythnos after which it is named, Milos, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Serifos and Sikinos) and nearby Ikaria and Psara. It makes a low-growing subshrub, with 20-40cm stems bearing 15-25mm-diameter pink flowers in May. The flowers open at night and can be strongly scented; they close during the hottest, sunniest part of the day. The flower stems live up to the name "catchfly", being very sticky and trapping any insect that tries to climb it or even brushes against it in flight. My plants have even caught a few mosquitoes.
Can be grown in a well-drained soil, or a large pot; if grown in light shade the flowers will remain open for longer during the day. In the wild it grows on a variety of soils including limestone, volcanic and schist. It has been hardy here in Norfolk - in a pot outside - for a number of winters, and has been unaffected by -6C in 2010 and 2011. It doesn't spread a lot so could be grown on a rockery.
Sow the seeds when received, individually in small pots, several in a large pot, or possibly in situ. The seedlings are small initially, so if using a soil-less compost, sieve out any large pieces and perhaps add a little sand if available. Plant out carefully from small pots, avoiding root-damage, when large enough.
My plants originated as seed from Serifos island.
Seed gathered July 2011. As far as I know, seeds of this species are not available elsewhere.
There are about 25 seeds per packet.
£1.49, includes UK postage. This item is available for UK customers only. |
|
|
|
|
|