Short and Sweet Catchfly
Silene caroliniana var. wherryi 'Short and Sweet'
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Short and Sweet Catchfly - #1 Container is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry is designed to protect both consumers and the nursery trade from invasive plant pests and diseases. Sites that display the Plant Sentry protection badge are protected from consumers buying and nurseries shipping material carrying invasive pests and diseases.
This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.
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Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Shipping
To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.
Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.
Standard Shipping Rates
At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.
From | To | S&H |
---|---|---|
$0 | $19.99 | $24.99 |
$20 | $49.99 | $29.99 |
$50 | $69.99 | $34.99 |
$70 | $99.99 | $39.99 |
$100 | $129.99 | $44.99 |
$130 | $149.99 | $48.99 |
$150 | $150+ | Approx 28% |
Click here to see our full rates
Understanding Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
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2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
#1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
#3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
---|---|---|
#5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
#6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
#7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Highlights
Short and Sweet Catchfly highlights at a glance!
Specifications
Specifications
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Brand
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Botanical Name
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Growing Zones
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Mature Height
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Mature Spread
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Sun ExposureFull Sun, Partial Shade
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Moisture
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Soil
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Growth RateMedium
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Flower Color
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Pollinator Friendly
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Pruning Time
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Bloom PeriodSummer, Late Spring

Growing Zones
Short and Sweet Catchfly - Airy Pink Groundcover
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.