Troubleshooting
Red Campion problems — and how to fix them
Red Campion (Silene dioica) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Smut fungus (Microbotryum violaceum)
Red campion is a host for the anther-smut fungus, which replaces pollen with dark spores and renders affected plants sterile; remove and destroy affected individuals promptly to limit spread.
Short plant lifespan and colony collapse
Individual plants often die after two or three seasons; without regular self-seeding or fresh transplants, colonies can disappear suddenly — allow seed heads to ripen and scatter in place.
Prevent red campion problems before they start
Most red campion issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Red Campion problems — FAQ
Why is my red campion smut fungus (microbotryum violaceum)?
Red campion is a host for the anther-smut fungus, which replaces pollen with dark spores and renders affected plants sterile; remove and destroy affected individuals promptly to limit spread.
Why is my red campion short plant lifespan and colony collapse?
Individual plants often die after two or three seasons; without regular self-seeding or fresh transplants, colonies can disappear suddenly — allow seed heads to ripen and scatter in place.