Lychnis × arkwrightii 'Vesuvius'
campion 'Vesuvius'
A short-lived perennial to 45cm high, with finely hairy, oval to lance-shaped green leaves strongly flushed with purple-bronze. Clusters of bright orange-red, star-shaped flowers with notched petals are borne on stiff, upright stems in early summer
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple Bronze | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red | Green Purple Bronze | ||
| Autumn | Green Purple Bronze | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Silene can be annuals, biennials or herbaceous or evergreen perennials, with opposite, untoothed leaves and solitary or clustered flowers with 5, usually notched petals
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun; will benefit from midday shade in hotter areas
Propagation
Propagate by seed, by division of established clumps, or by basal softwood cuttings in spring. Will self-seed in place, but seedlings may vary
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Wildflower meadow
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pinch out early in the season to keep compact and bushy; deadhead to encourage further flowers and to control seeding
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, aphids and cuckoo spit
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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