Silene vulgaris subsp. glareosa

Old world but now naturalised in many places. Bladder campion, Blushing lanterns, Maidens tears. Almost always in flower. Tonnes of grey-green balloon like calyx's with almost a grid-like pinkish pattern, produce dainty white, deeply divided petals with long protruding stamens and carpels (in this first image the flower is still in its early female form), a very elegant, standout flower. Like most Silene, it is highly productive and is a great addition to bouquets and floral work. Great for pollinators.

The young leaves are eaten raw  Older ones, but before flowering, are fried with oil and garlic. Widely used by many European cuisines.

Easy care  and sprawls over walls, pots and troughs, and supported in amongst meadow plants or perennials in. the front of a border. Dry to average soil types. Almost evergreen, and perennial but short lived. Let it seed.  60cm H 70cm W or more. Trim after flowering.