Lychnis coronaria
£6.50
Out of stock
Lychnis coronaria
A striking cottage garden perennial with silvery foliage and vivid flowers that seem to glow in the evening light.
Lychnis coronaria, often known as rose campion, is loved for its soft, velvety silver leaves and masses of bright magenta-pink blooms held on airy stems through summer. The flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators, adding movement and colour to sunny borders while contrasting beautifully with greener foliage plants. It has a relaxed, naturalistic feel that works brilliantly in both cottage and gravel-style planting schemes.
This hardy perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, coping especially well with poor, dry conditions once established. It often self-seeds gently around the garden, creating natural drifts without becoming overwhelming. Its drought tolerance and shimmering foliage make it particularly useful for exposed coastal gardens and low-maintenance planting.
Specifications
Height: Approx. 60–80cm
Spread: Approx. 30–45cm
Flowering: June to August
Position: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil, including poor or sandy soils
Maintenance: Low maintenance, deadhead for prolonged flowering or leave seedheads for natural self-seeding
🌿 Note for Isle of Wight planting
Lychnis coronaria performs exceptionally well in Isle of Wight gardens, particularly in sunny coastal spots where other plants may struggle. The silver foliage copes well with drying winds and reflects strong sunlight beautifully, making it ideal for gravel gardens, cottage borders, and wildlife-friendly planting schemes.
🌿 Ideal Companion Plants from The Green Standard Range
Salvia ‘Caradonna’ , deep purple flower spikes that contrast beautifully with the silver foliage
Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’ , soft lavender-blue flowers that create a relaxed cottage garden feel
Gaura ‘Passionate Blush’ , airy pale pink blooms that weave naturally through the stems
Stipa tenuissima , fine flowing grass that adds movement and softness
Achillea ‘Lilac Beauty’ , flat flower heads that complement the informal planting style
🌟 The Green Standard Tip
Allow a few seedlings to establish naturally around the garden. Lychnis coronaria often pops up in the most beautiful places, softening borders and creating that effortless cottage garden look.