Silene acaulis

Common Names

Moss Campion, Cushion Pink, Moss Pink, Dwarf Catchfly, Silène Acaule, Lambagras, Aappaluttuaqqat

Summary

Moss campion is a stemless, evergreen cushion-forming perennial native to Arctic and alpine tundra across circumpolar regions. It forms dense cushions 2–6 inches tall with tiny linear leaves and pink star-shaped flowers (occasionally white) that bloom in early summer; cushions create a warmer interior microclimate, and compass flowering causes blooms on the south-facing side earlier than on the north.

For cultivation, it prefers full sun and well-drained gritty soils, tolerates cool climates, and dislikes summer heat and humidity; hardy in USDA zones 3–5; propagation by seeds or division; commonly grown in rock gardens, crevices, or spilling from containers; evergreen and generally pest- and disease-free; long-lived under suitable conditions.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-6 inches

Spread

8-10 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 3a-5b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, tolerates light shade to partial shade

Soil Type

Gravelly, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, dry, gritty or gravelly soil; avoid standing water

Soil pH

6.0–8.0 (neutral to alkaline)

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing, with radial cushion expansion of 1–2 cm per year and a creeping, spreading habit.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Stem cuttings, Stem tip cuttings, Basal stem cuttings, Vegetative via rhizomes and stolons

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and other pollinators (flies)