How to Grow Rose of Heaven
Wikimedia Commons
Rose of Heaven
Silene coeli-rosa
flowerRose of Heaven is a delicate annual flower native to the Mediterranean region, featuring small, star-shaped blooms in shades of pink, red, and white with distinctive dark centers. The plants grow to about 12-18 inches tall and produce masses of flowers throughout the growing season. It's prized in cottage gardens, borders, and cut flower arrangements for its airy, romantic appearance.
When should you plant Rose of Heaven in your zone?
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Example Rose of Heaven timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Rose of Heaven
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Rose of Heaven blooms
Around Jun 6≈ 50 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rose of Heaven dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives as an annual in zones 2-10; perennial in mild zones 8-10
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny green leaves emerge within 7-14 days; plants are delicate with thin stems and oval cotyledons.
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Provide bright light and good air circulation to prevent damping off. Thin seedlings to proper spacing.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops true leaves, becomes bushier, and grows to 4-8 inches tall with increasingly sturdy stems.
Water moderately and begin light fertilizing every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness.
Budding
1-2 weeksTiny buds form at stem tips; plants reach 8-12 inches tall and become more compact.
Maintain consistent watering and continue regular fertilizing. Ensure adequate sunlight for bud development.
Flowering
6-12 weeks or until frostStar-shaped flowers bloom in pink, red, white, or bicolor with dark centers; continuous blooms throughout season.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming. Water at soil level to keep flowers dry. Provide support if stems become leggy.
Decline
VariablePlants slow flowering as temperatures drop or conditions become less favorable; foliage may yellow.
Allow some flowers to remain on plant if collecting seeds. Remove spent plants after hard frost.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestation is severe.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
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Increase humidity; spray with water; use miticide if severe.
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and
Hand-pick; create barriers with diatomaceous earth; use slug baits if necessary.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe delicate flowers can be used as garnish in salads and desserts, adding a subtle sweet flavor and ornamental appeal to dishes. [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
CraftRose of Heaven is excellent for fresh bouquets and dried flower arrangements, adding texture and romance to floral designs. [source]
Garden Filler
HouseholdThe airy, delicate blooms provide excellent filler material in flower arrangements and cottage gardens, creating soft layers and movement. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeThe flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations. [source]
Traditional herbal use
MedicinalIn traditional Mediterranean herbalism, Rose of Heaven has been used in teas and infusions for its purported calming and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when buds are just opening for longest vase life (7-10 days). Cut stems at a 45-degree angle and place immediately in water. Remove lower leaves below the waterline. For seed collection, allow some flowers to fade and dry on the plant; collect seed pods when brown and papery, then dry further indoors before storing.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rose of Heaven gets its common name from the delicate, star-like appearance of the flowers and the rose-pink coloring of many varieties, despite not being related to true roses.
- 🌱 The plant is also known as 'Heaven's Pink' or 'Viscaria' and has been cultivated in European gardens since the 1700s, featured in Victorian cottage gardens.
- 🌱 The distinctive dark center or 'eye' of the flower is believed to be an evolutionary adaptation to guide pollinators to the flower's center.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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