Lychnis - Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria) Silene Coronaria Agrostemma Coronaria Dusty Miller Coronaria coriacea Heirloom Flower
Lychnis - Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria) Silene Coronaria Agrostemma Coronaria Dusty Miller Coronaria coriacea Heirloom Flower
Perennial
Height 18-24 in ( 45-60 cm)
Lychnis coronaria, also known as Silene coronaria and Rose Campion, is the most popular Campion a flowering perennial.
Rose campion is one of about 20 species of perennials and biennials in the genus Lychnis. This group in the pink family (Caryophyllaceae) is closely related to – and is sometimes included in – the genus Silene. L. cornonaria (also known by the synonyms Agrostemma coronaria, Coronaria coriacea and Silene coronaria. Also known as Lychnis, Lychnis Coronia, Dusty Miller, Rabbit's Ears, Crown Pink, Catchfly and Mullein Pink and Lamp Flower!
The genus Lychnis, from the northern temperate zone, is quite variable, but all species have vividly-colored flowers. The genus name, used by Theophrastus from the Greek work lychnos which means “lamp”, is thought to refer to the use of the woolly leaves as lamp wicks in ancient times. The common name of rose campion supposedly comes from the use of its flowers to make garlands for athletic champions.
This variety of Rose Campion has small 1 in deep pink to bold magenta blossoms, which are produced in early to late summer, and are perfectly contrasted against the soft, silver gray, velvet-like foliage. Blossoms consist of simple flowers with 5 petals occur in small heads (terminal cymes) that stand clear of foliage. Plants form Verbascum-like rosettes of leaves the first year, and spreading mounds 2-3 feet tall in subsequent years.
Basal cuttings can also be taken in late spring. Most plants do not survive harsh winters after flowering but it does readily self seed to perpetuate a planting. Despite its short life span, rose campion is certainly worth growing.S Plants remain evergreen in mild climates.
- full sun
- well draining soil
- Easiest to propagate from seed; produces huge amount of seed and will readily self-seed; you will never have to buy seed again.
- Self seeding: to encourage self-seeding, refrain from mulching around plants. Leave the ground undisturbed around dead plants and seedlings will appear in spring.
- Thin the seedlings or transplant to other areas in late spring when large enough to handle. The distinctive seedlings are easy to identify and easy to pull out if you don’t want them.
- Space plants about 12-15 in apart.
- OR start seeds indoors in trays about 6-8 weeks prior to last spring frost. Scatter seeds on the tray do not cover. Keep trays warm as the seeds need warm soil to germinate. Transplant outdoors after all risk of frost has passed
- Outdoors: scatter seeds on the soil surface and water in lightly; planting the seeds in early fall is highly recommended, as is sowing the seeds close together if you want a massed effect. The seeds need about three weeks of moist cold for good germination.
- cut back plant to 1/3 when the blooms have finished
- Seed count: 100