Silene paradoxa, commonly known as Dover catchfly, is a perennial herb native to a variety of habitats including grasslands, rocky slopes, and open woodlands in southeastern France, Corsica, Italy, the former Yugoslavia, Albania, and Greece. It typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) and features lance-shaped leaves. The plant produces clusters of white to pale pink flowers in the late spring and early summer, which are particularly showy at night when they open and emit a pleasant fragrance to attract nocturnal pollinators. The flowers are followed by distinctive, bladder-like seed capsules.

Dover catchfly is valued for its attractive flowers and ability to thrive in poor, well-drained soils. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to partial shade, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. However, it can self-seed prolifically under favorable conditions, which may lead to its spread beyond intended areas.CC BY-SA 4.0