Introducing...
Lychnis
Common name: Campion, ragged robin, lamp flower, mountain pink
Producing dainty summer flowers in shades of pink, purple, red or white, these easy-to-grow perennials come in various sizes and forms, ideal for a range of locations, including borders, rock gardens and wildflower meadows.
Looks
Lychnis vary widely in looks, from low-growing mats to tall, branching forms. The flowers come in many different styles too – held in clusters or singly, some simple, others double or ragged edged, in shades of purple, pink, red or white. The leaves may be green or silvery-grey.
Likes
Most grow in any soil that drains easily, in sun or light shade. Grey-leaved types, such as Lychnis coronaria and L. flos-jovis, and the shorter alpines, such as L. alpina and L. viscaria, prefer well-drained soil in full sun. L. chalcedonica and L. flos-cuculi like moister conditions.
Dislikes
The grey-leaved species, as well as Lychnis alpina and L. viscaria, dislike shade and damp soil, while L. chalcedonica and L. flos-cuculi don’t like it too dry.
Did you know?
Lychnis coronaria, with its vivid pink or white flowers and silvery-grey leaves and stems, is probably the most widely grown lychnis and is easily raised from seed. Only three species are native to the UK: Lychnis viscaria (sticky catchfly) and L. alpina are rare, but ragged robin (L. flos-cuculi) grows widely in damp meadows and marshes, so is an ideal choice for moist wildflower gardens.
Growing guide
How to grow lychnis
All the information you’ll need to grow and care for lychnis in your garden can be found in the RHS guide to perennials.
Get involved
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