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Herbaceous Perennial

Viscaria vulgaris dark purple-red-flowered

A compact tufted perennial to 45cm in height, with sticky stems bearing narrow, dark green leaves, and purple-red flowers 2cm in width in narrow panicles in early and mid summer

Synonyms
Lychnis viscaria subsp. atropurpurea
Silene atropurpurea
see moreLychnis alpina subsp. atropurpurea

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Chalk
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Red Green
Summer Purple Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Caryophyllaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
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
Balkan Peninsula

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
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Low Maintenance
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

Deadhead to prolong flowering then cut down in autumn

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and slugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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