Overview
Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' is a perennial in the genus Lychnis, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. It typically grows around 0.2–0.6 metres tall. Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include rock gardens, alpine gardens and borders. It is native to central Alps.
About
Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' is a perennial in the Caryophyllaceae with a compact stature reaching 0.2–0.6 metres. It comes from the central Alps and suits rock and alpine gardens as well as borders. Plant where soil is well-drained and keep moisture moderate, placing it in full sun or partial shade. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7).
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Silene flos-jovis
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 flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' belongs to the Caryophyllaceae and originates from the central Alps. It remains a relatively compact perennial, growing between 0.2 and 0.6 metres, which makes it appropriate for tighter alpine pockets as well as planted edges of borders. Give the plant a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil and moderate moisture; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. The hardiness rating H7 means it is fully hardy in UK conditions and can be left in the ground through winter without winter protection in most locations. Use it in rock gardens, alpine beds and mixed borders where drainage is reliable. Its compact height makes it suitable for foreground planting or where lower-growing alpines are required; choose a site where roots will not stand in water to reflect its mountain origins.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lychnis
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moderate
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Height
- 0.2–0.6 metres
- Suggested uses
- rock gardens, alpine gardens, borders
- Native to
- central Alps
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety'
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Pruning
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
- Propagation
- seed, division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety'?
Prefers well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety'?
Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' need?
Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate.
How do I prune Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety'?
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
How big does Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' grow?
Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' reaches a height of 0.2–0.6 metres.
Is Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' hardy in the UK?
Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety' 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 flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety'?
Seed, division.
More in the Lychnis genus
- Lychnis chalcedonicaMaltese Cross

- Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata'Rose Campion

- Lychnis flos-jovisflower-of-Jove

- Lychnis × haageana
