Silene caroliniana 'Short and Sweet' has narrow green leaves topped by deep pink pinwheel flowers in late spring to early summer. Commonly called Wild Pinks, it forms compact tidy clumps of semi-evergreen, mostly basal foliage. Silene caroliniana 'Short and Sweet' blooms profusely in cool spring weather if in a sunny spot. Remove spent flower stems for better appearance. It is also known as Sticky Catchfly due to the sticky hairs on the flower calyx.
Silene caroliniana is native to the eastern United States from Florida to New Hampshire and west to Ohio and Kentucky and down to Alabama. It is typically found on coarse soils in deciduous woods, clearings, barrens, and rocky outcrops. Its spring blooms are an important nectar source for early pollinators.
Silene caroliniana 'Short and Sweet' prefers sun to part shade and coarse, very well-drained soil. It will tolerate moist, moderately fertile soils, so long as they drain well. It is drought tolerant and relatively pest resistant. Avoid disturbance once established.
