Silene uniflora (sea campion)

Japanese name: シレネ ユニフロラ
Scientific name: Silene uniflora

[Overview]
In its native range, a perennial about 10 cm tall that grows on the seashore.
The whole plant is grayish.
The stems branch from ground level, creep along the ground, and grow in a mat.
The leaves are simple and opposite, lanceolate to ovate, 2–3 cm long, and entire.
The flowers are borne singly or in cymes at the stem tips; they have 5 petals, are about 2–3 cm across, and are white or tinged with pink.
The petals open flat and are 2-lobed at the tip.
The lower part of the flower is enclosed in a bladder-like calyx.
The calyx has reddish purple to reddish brown markings.
The fruit is a capsule.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It prefers sunny, well-drained, infertile, somewhat dry, slightly alkaline soil.
It dislikes heat and humidity.
It is best kept on the dry side to avoid excess moisture; for potted plants, water thoroughly after the soil has dried, and for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Fertilizer is not particularly necessary for plants in the ground; for potted plants, apply a small amount of slow-release fertilizer in spring and autumn.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

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