Overview
Lychnis coronaria is a clump forming perennial in the genus Silene, part of the Caryophyllaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Lychnis coronaria grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens, wildflower meadows, cottage and informal gardens and flower borders and beds. It is native to Eurasia.
About
Silene coronaria, the rose campion, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Eurasia. Other common names include dusty miller, mullein-pink and bloody William.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Silene coronaria
About the genus
Silene is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. Containing between 500 and 900 species, it is the largest genus in the family. Common names include campion and catchfly.
Wikipedia contributors, "Silene", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Silene
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Silene
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Lychnis coronaria size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadows, Cottage and informal gardens, Flower borders and beds
- Native to
- Eurasia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lychnis coronaria
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Seed, Division, Basal cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lychnis coronaria?
Prefers well-drained soil and full sun; drought tolerant once established; avoid overwatering.
Where is the best place to plant Lychnis coronaria?
Lychnis coronaria prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Lychnis coronaria need?
Lychnis coronaria is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Lychnis coronaria?
Deadhead spent flowers to prolong blooming; cut back after flowering to maintain shape.
Is Lychnis coronaria hardy in the UK?
Lychnis coronaria has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Lychnis coronaria?
Seed, Division, Basal cuttings.
More in the Silene genus
- Lychnis chalcedonica (Hessenhof Form)Maltese Cross
- Lychnis coronaria 'Alba'Rose Campion
- Silene fimbriatafringed-flowered campion
- Silene aomorensis