CUCUBALUS BACCIFER (SILENE)

Description

This intriguing, rare and beautiful curiosity from the hills of Japan has creeping, straggling stems, which are covered with small pointed leaves and frilly greenish-white flowers, which in turn produce blackcurrant-like berries. Surprisingly, this mound-forming plant is a most unlikely member of the dianthus family. In woodland or a shady place it will gently romp along and mystify all who see it!

Sowing Advice

For best results, sow immediately onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. They can be sown at any time, and germination can sometimes be quicker if kept at 15 to 20 degrees C. We sow most seeds in an unheated greenhouse and wait for natural germination, as many seeds have built-in dormancy mechanisms, often waiting for natural spring germination, hence giving them a full season of growth.

Key Facts