Wildflower Nursery

Indigenous Plants for a Sustainable Future

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Grassland Biome Experts
    • Who We Work With
    • Services and Products
    • Project Portfolio
  • Indigenous Library
  • Articles
  • e-Newsletter
  • Contact

Silene burchellii

by Johan Wentzel

Silene burchellii
Common Name
Gunpowder plant
Plant Type
Perennial
Silene burchellii is an erect perennial herb, up to 70 cm, all parts with short hairs. It is best interplanted with small grasses that can support it. It flowers in the evening and is probably moth pollinated. Plant in a group for the best effect.
Plant Description

Silene burchellii is an erect perennial herb, up to 70 cm, all parts with short hairs. Leaves are normally linear. Flowers are borne on one side of the raceme  and vary in colour from white, pinkish to purple-brown; calyx tubular. Fruit a stalked ellipsoid capsule held in the persistent calyx. It is a highly variable specie.

Silene burchellii is best interplanted with small grasses that can support it. It flowers in the evening and is probably moth pollinated. The flowers are very unusual. Plant in a group for the best effect.

Afrikaanse Naam
Kruitbossie
Hardiness
Very hardy
Position
Sun
Water Requirements
Water wise
Evergreen
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Fast
Flowering Time
Summer
Flower Colour
Pink
Shape
Upright
Soil
Loam
Plant Size
50cm
Region
Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga
Habitat
Grassland
Grown by Wildflower Nursery
Yes

Contact Us

Random Harvest Nursery: 082 553 0598

Jonathan Taylor: 0768305242

Email: [email protected]

Subscribe to our Monthly e-Newsletter

* indicates required

Indigenous Plant Palette Selector

Use the Indigenous Plant Palette Selector to create a list of plants for your specific needs.

Search the Plant Database

Copyright © 2025 · Lifestyle Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · Powered by ITM Web Development · Log in