Short and Sweet Catchfly

The charming Short and Sweet Catchfly (Silene caroliniana var. wherryi 'Short and Sweet'), a delightful Wild Pink, is a compact, low-growing perennial known for its clusters of fragrant pink blooms in spring! Its airy, star-like flowers are a favorite among butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a pollinator-friendly addition to small-space, and front of the garden accents.

With its spreading, mat-forming habit and lush green foliage, Short and Sweet Catchfly remains attractive even when not in bloom. The plant grows low, growing 6-8 inches tall and 12-18 inches wide, making it perfect for edging or filling gaps in sunny garden spaces.

Resilient and cold-hardy, Wild Pinks are native to the eastern United States and thrive in USDA zones 5-8. Its charming flowers symbolize youthful joy and lighthearted beauty, while its ability to flourish in challenging conditions makes it a garden favorite.

Key Features

• Compact, low-growing Wild Pink with fragrant pink flowers
• Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators
• Thrives in well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils
• Drought-tolerant and cold-hardy in USDA zones 5-8
• Great for groundcover, rock gardens, borders, and naturalized plantings

Landscaping Uses

Short and Sweet Catchfly, a small yet striking Wild Pink, grows up to 6-8 inches tall and spreads up to 12 inches wide. It forms a dense, colorful mat in the garden.

This native beauty thrives in rocky, well-drained soils and brings early-season color to gardens. Its drought tolerance and adaptability to sandy or gravelly soils make it an easy-care choice for naturalistic plantings.

• Perfect for rock gardens and dry slopes, these mat-forming plants are great erosion control and groundcover
• Edging for sunny pathways or borders, line sidewalks, and add a finishing touch to garden beds
• Naturalized meadows, front-of-the-garden border and cottage garden plant
• Mass planting swaths of color and groundcover for well-drained soils
• A pollinator-friendly addition to wildlife gardens!

Care and Maintenance

This low-maintenance herbaceous perennial is tough yet charming, thriving in dry, sunny conditions.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall
• Sun Needs: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Needs: Well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils; tolerates poor soil
• Moisture Needs: Drought-tolerant once established
• Mulch: 3-4 inches of bark mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Fertilization Needs: Light feeding in spring with a balanced fertilizer
• Pruning Info: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers
• Special Needs/Perks: Deer-resistant, low-maintenance, thrives in dry conditions
• Division Info: Divide clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor

A Tiny Treasure of a Wild Pink!

Short and Sweet Catchfly brings effortless beauty and resilience to any garden, offering fragrant spring blooms and easy-care appeal. Whether you're looking to attract pollinators, add charm to a rock garden, or introduce a tough yet lovely wildflower to your landscape, this Wild Pink is an excellent choice.

Order now at Nature Hills Nursery and enjoy this compact delight in your garden!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Wild Pinks related to Creeping Phlox?
While similar in many ways, Wild Pinks (Silene) petals have separate petals, unlike the fused petals of Phlox.

Does Short and Sweet Catchfly attract pollinators?
Yes! Its fragrant pink blooms attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.

What type of soil does Short and Sweet Catchfly need?
It thrives in well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils and can tolerate poor conditions.

Is Short and Sweet Catchfly drought-tolerant?
Yes, once established, it requires minimal watering and thrives in dry conditions.

Can the Short and Sweet Catchfly grow in shade?
It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, though blooming may be reduced.