Silene Samojedorum

Silene samojedorum is a little-grown Arctic campion of northern Eurasia, adapted to tundra, mountain scree and an exceptionally short growing season. Low tufts of narrow, often softly hairy leaves produce modest stems of pale pink to whitish, five-petalled flowers during summer. Its restrained scale reflects a life shaped by severe frost, wind and long snow cover rather than competition from taller vegetation. A genuine specialist alpine, it is best cultivated in a cool trough or scree with gritty humus, reliable moisture and protection from summer heat.