Silene virginica, commonly called fire pink, is an herbaceous clump-forming perennial wildflower with downy and sticky stems that typically grows to 12-20” tall. It is native to rocky wooded slopes, open woods and thickets from western New York to Minnesota south to Georgia and Oklahoma.

The species name, virginica, means "of Virginia." The plant thrives in partial sun with dry to medium moist well-drained soils of sand, gravel, or light loam. The plant will tolerate full sun but prefers afternoon shade.

Silene virginica, the fire pink, [2] is a wildflower in the pink family, Caryophyllaceae. It is known for its distinct brilliant red flowers. Fire pink begins blooming in late spring and continuing throughout the summer. It is sometimes grown in wildflower, shade, and rock gardens. [3]

Glowing like embers, Silene virginica (Fire Pink) is a showy clump-forming perennial boasting long, lance-shaped, opposite leaves and brilliant clusters of scarlet red flowers. Blooming profusely from mid-spring to early summer, each flower, 2 in. across (5 cm), features five thin petals cleft at the tip, and sticky sepals.

Fire Pink may also be called Scarlet Catchfly and it's these scarlet red flowers that hummingbirds are attracted to. The sepals of the flowers are sticky (like those of its cousin Silene regia (Royal Catchfly) to deter ants from climbing and feeding on the nectar.

Range & Habitat: The native Fire Pink is an uncommon plant that occurs in scattered areas of NE, central, and southern Illinois (see Distribution Map). Occasionally, small colonies of this species are discovered in new areas, although its population within the state isn't expanding.

Fire pink, Silene virginica. By Kirk w. Larson. Although the fire pink is not large, it is one of our most conspicuous plants because of its brilliant scarlet or crimson color. The flowers are 1 to 1.5 inches (3 to 4 cm) in size with five narrow and distinctively notched petals.

Fire Pink is a herbaceous short-lived perennial flower native to North America. Scientifically known as Silene virginica, it will grow 6″-24″ tall in full sun and well-draining soil. Blooming for roughly six weeks in Spring, it’s beautiful dark red flowers are great for attracting hummingbirds.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Silene virginica is a tufted perennial wildflower with narrow lance-shaped leaves. In spring loose clusters of scarlet red flowers similar to Phlox spp. rise above the foliage on slender stems. The floret bases are tubular and the petals are spreading with ragged edges.

With brilliant red flowers in clusters atop long slender leafless stems, fire pink (Silene virginica) is a delightful invitation to hummingbirds. From a rosette of dark green foliage, the stems arise 1-1½’ tall to display the red, five-petaled flowers from mid-spring to early summer.