What hardiness zones is Lychnis coronaria suitable for?

Lychnis coronaria (syn. Silene coronaria) is rose campion, a biennial to short-lived perennial growing 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Vivid cerise-magenta 5-petaled flowers 1 inch (2.5 cm) on silver-woolly branching stems from June through August — the high contrast of the cerise flowers against the silver-woolly stems and foliage. Silver-gray basal rosette leaves 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) densely covered in soft white-woolly hairs (tomentose). In the pink family (Caryophyllaceae). Biennial to short-lived perennial: the basal rosette forms in year 1, the flowering stem in year 2, then the plant declines. Self-sows freely on well-drained soil — the primary method of maintaining the population. 'Alba' has white flowers on the same silver foliage. 'Oculata' has white flowers with a pink eye. Lean poor soil produces the most compact silver plants — rich moist soil causes floppy green growth with reduced silver woolly coating. Tolerates alkaline and chalky soil (pH to 8.0). Mildly toxic to dogs and cats (saponins). Deer-resistant (woolly foliage). Drought-tolerant. Full sun. Zones 4-8. Growth rate is fast.

Native Range

Native to southeastern Europe (Balkans, Greece, Turkey) and western Asia.

Suggested Uses

Commonly planted in gravel gardens, cottage gardens, and dry borders in zones 4-8. The cerise-on-silver color contrast. Self-sows freely. 'Alba' for white. Lean soil. Mildly toxic to pets. Deer-resistant.

How to Identify

Identified by vivid cerise-magenta flowers on silver-woolly branching stems above a silver-gray woolly basal rosette. The cerise-on-silver color contrast is the species identifier. Also classified as Silene coronaria. Biennial to short-lived — self-sows. In Caryophyllaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2' - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer

Summer (June-August), lasting 6-8 weeks. Vivid cerise-magenta flowers on silver-woolly stems. 'Alba' for white. Deadhead for extended bloom. Allow some seed for self-sowing (short-lived).

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Vivid cerise-magenta, 5-petaled, 1 inch (2.5 cm); 'Alba' is white; 'Oculata' is white with a pink eye

Foliage Description

Silver-gray, densely covered in soft white-woolly hairs (tomentose); basal rosette 6-8 inches (15-20 cm); the silver foliage persists through mild winters

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand chalk loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Very Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years (biennial — rosette year 1, flowers year 2)

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Full sun. Lean poor well-drained soil for compact silver growth — rich soil causes floppy green growth. Tolerates alkaline and chalky soil (pH to 8.0). Short-lived — allow self-sowing. Mildly toxic to pets. Deer-resistant. Drought-tolerant. Zones 4-8.

Pruning

Deadhead regularly to prolong bloom (June-August). Allow some seed heads to mature for self-sowing. Cut the dead flowering stems in fall (October). The basal rosette may persist through winter.

Pruning Schedule

summerfall

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets