Lychnis viscaria
sticky catchfly
A mat-forming to tufted perennial, to 45cm in height, with sticky stems bearing narrow, dark green leaves, and clusters of purplish-pink flowers, 2cm in width, in early and mid-summer
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Matforming, Tufted
- Genus
A genus of low-growing flowering plants with thin, ovate green foliage and clusters of pretty pink, white or purple flowers on sticky, upright stems. A deep taproot makes this a genus which can survive drought conditions
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist fertile soil in sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by division or basal cuttings in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering then cut down in autumn
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.