Silene flos-cuculi
ragged-robin
Overview
Silene flos-cuculi, formerly Lychnis flos-cuculi, is a clump-forming perennial 12-32 inches (30-80 cm) tall with slender, branching, slightly sticky stems rising from a basal rosette. The lower leaves are spoon-shaped while the stem leaves are narrow and lance-shaped, paired and untoothed. From late spring into summer it carries loose, open clusters of rose-pink flowers, each 1.2-1.6 inch (3-4 cm) across with five petals that are each split into four narrow, spreading lobes, giving the bloom a ragged, frayed outline. A white-flowered form occurs occasionally. The flowers are followed by small capsules that release many tiny seeds. S. flos-cuculi grows in damp meadows, fens, marshes, and wet woodland edges across Europe and western Asia, and has naturalized locally in North America. It is short-lived but self-sows where the ground stays moist. The thin stems can flop in rich soil or shade and may lean on neighbouring plants for support.
Native Range
Silene flos-cuculi is native across Europe and into western Asia, from Ireland and Scandinavia to the Mediterranean and the Caucasus. It grows in damp grassland, fens, and marshes, and has naturalized in scattered parts of North America.Suggested Uses
Planted in bog gardens, rain gardens, pond and stream margins, and damp wildflower meadows. It is used in pollinator and cottage-style borders where soil stays moist. The ragged pink flowers suit naturalistic and conservation plantings on wet ground.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'8"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from May to July, with a peak in late spring and early summer. Each branched stem opens a succession of ragged pink flowers over several weeks. Seed capsules ripen through summer, and cutting back after the first flush can prompt a lighter second show.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 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
