Sweet william catchfly (Atocion armeria)

Sweet william catchfly

Sweet william catchfly (Atocion armeria) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Europe. Sweet william catchfly is also known as the Sweet Willian catchfly. This species is often planted in gardens. It exudes a sticky sap that traps insects on its stems. For this reason, it has been considered a carnivorous plant, although it is not a true carnivorous plant.

Scientific classification

Species

Sweet william catchfly (Atocion armeria)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Annual, Perennial

Lifespan

15 cm to 30 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2 cm to 3 cm

Flower Size

White, Pink, Purple, Red

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Sweet william catchfly

Distribution of Sweet william catchfly

Distribution Map

Sweet william catchfly is indigenous to regions of Europe and adjacent areas of western Asia. Over time, its cultivation has led to its establishment across various continents including North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Sweet william catchfly thrives in both its native range and in these introduced territories, adapting to diverse environmental conditions.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Gardens

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Interesting Facts

Although once considered a carnivorous plant, Atocion armeria doesn't belong to this group of plants. The reason for that lies in the fact that sweet william catchfly only catches tiny insects, but doesn't consume or digest them.

Name Story

None-so-pretty||Sweet william catchfly: How did the lovely plant with pretty pink flowers get its undesirable common name? The reason is the way its sticky stems attract and entangle tiny insects, leaving the entire plant covered by these tiny creatures. But, despite the name, it doesn't catch flies.

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Care Guide for Sweet william catchfly

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Originating from temperate regions, sweet william catchfly thrives in moderate moisture and tolerates brief dryness. Weekly watering maintains its health, while mulching aids moisture retention, aligning with its natural growth cycle. This outdoor plant is often found in garden beds and benefits from stable water availability without being waterlogged.

Fertilize: Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season for sweet william catchfly. Use high nitrogen mixtures early for strong foliage, typically one tablespoon per square foot. Water well post-application; avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn. Adjust feeding for winter's slower growth.

Pruning: Sweet william catchfly thrives with proper pruning, best done in early to late spring. Remove spent flowers and dead stems to boost growth and encourage a second bloom. Clean, sharp tools prevent disease and enhance air circulation, improving plant vigor and ornamental appeal.

Propagation: Sweet william catchfly propagates best through surface-sowing seeds on well-draining soil, as they need light for germination. Gently press seeds in, keep soil moist, and provide indirect sunlight for seedlings. Once true leaves develop, transplant carefully to avoid disturbing roots.

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Images of Sweet william catchfly

Distribution of Sweet william catchfly

Culture

Care Guide for Sweet william catchfly

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