Silene pendula ‘Sibella Pink’ | Nodding Catchfly

Silene pendula ‘Sibella Pink’ is a charming and compact flowering annual that produces a profusion of soft pink blooms throughout the summer months. Part of the Sibella series, this variety forms low, spreading plants that quickly create a colourful carpet of delicate flowers, making it perfect for bedding displays, borders, containers, and hanging baskets.

Growing to around 30–40 cm in height, Sibella Pink develops a neat, gently spreading habit that fills spaces beautifully in garden beds or patio plantings. The small, bright pink flowers appear in abundance above fresh green foliage from late spring through early autumn, bringing lightness and colour to the garden.

This easy-to-grow plant thrives in sunny or lightly shaded locations and adapts well to a wide range of soils, provided they are well drained. Once established, plants tolerate short dry periods and require minimal care, making them an excellent choice for beginner gardeners and low-maintenance planting schemes.

Sibella Pink is ideal for creating cheerful summer displays and works especially well in mixed containers, hanging baskets, and cottage-style gardens.

Plant Information

Botanical name: Silene pendula
Variety: ‘Sibella Pink’
Common name: Nodding Catchfly
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Lifecycle: Hardy Annual / Biennial
Height: 30–40 cm (12–15 in)
Flower colour: Soft Pink
Flowering period: May – September
Position: Full sun to partial sun
Use: Bedding, borders, containers, landscape planting, hanging baskets
Soil: Chalk, sandy, or garden soil
Soil pH: Acid, neutral, or alkaline
Moisture: Well-drained soil

Sowing Instructions

Sow seeds in autumn or early spring in a cold frame, or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.

Surface sow onto moist, well-drained seed compost and lightly cover with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. Keep the compost slightly moist during germination.

Cold frame sowings will typically germinate in spring as temperatures warm, while direct outdoor sowings usually germinate within 2–3 weeks.

Seedlings raised in a cold frame should be transplanted into 8 cm pots, grown on under protection, hardened off, and planted outside once frost risk has passed. Direct sowings may be thinned if necessary.

Growing Instructions

Silene pendula is very easy to grow and performs best in sunny positions. It tolerates poor soils as long as drainage is good. Once established, plants are relatively drought tolerant and require very little maintenance.

Cultivation Tips

Plants may self-seed naturally if some flowers are allowed to mature. Deadheading will prevent unwanted seedlings and encourage continued flowering. After flowering finishes, plants can be removed and composted.