Overview
Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata' is a perennial in the genus Lychnis, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, rock gardens and cottage gardens. It is native to Eurasia.
About
Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata' is a perennial suited to sunny, well-drained positions and neutral to alkaline soils. It tolerates a range of exposure from sheltered to exposed sites and performs on a south-facing aspect. The plant is classed as hardy (H5) and belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family, making it appropriate for borders, rock gardens and cottage schemes.
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.
In the garden
Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata' is a perennial in the Caryophyllaceae native to Eurasia. As a garden selection of the genus Lychnis, it is grown for sunny sites and for integration into informal planting where a south-facing aspect is available. Plant into well-drained soil with a neutral to alkaline reaction and aim for a position that receives full sun. Soil kept at moderate moisture suits the plant; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground by improving drainage or planting on a raised ridge. It stands up to a range of exposure from sheltered courtyards to more exposed borders, and should be treated as a hardy garden perennial (H5) in UK conditions. Use Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata' at the front to mid-border, in rock gardens where drainage is good, or within cottage-style beds where its cultural needs are met. Give it a clear, sunlit position and minimal winter wet for best results. The cultivar name 'Oculata' identifies this particular garden form within Lychnis coronaria and helps when selecting stock from suppliers.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lychnis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Well-drained
- Soil pH
- Neutral to alkaline
- Soil moisture
- Moderate
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Suggested uses
- Borders, rock gardens, cottage gardens
- Native to
- Eurasia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata'?
Prefers well-drained soil; drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata'?
Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata' need?
Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata' grows best in well-drained soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata'?
Deadhead to prolong flowering; cut back after flowering.
Is Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata' hardy in the UK?
Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata'?
Seed, division.
More in the Lychnis genus
- Lychnis chalcedonicaMaltese Cross
- Lychnis flos-jovisflower-of-Jove
- Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety'flower-of-Jove
- Lychnis × haageana
