Lychnis coronaria; is a native of SE Europe is a short lived hardy perennial that grows to around 600-750mm (24"-30") high and spreads to around 500mm (18").
It is a useful plant for areas with poor quality soil.
This attribute also makes it useful in a ‘wild garden’ situation.
The Purple to purple-red or white round flowers on long stalks appear in July and September.
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The long stems and its soft to touch Silvery-grey, woolly leaves make it perfect as a cut flower.
Dead head plants regularly to prevent self seeding.
In exposed areas the plants may require support with twiggy sticks or similar.
Cultivation;
Week 8; Sow seeds in pots/trays of seed compost and germinate at 16°- 18°C (60°-65°F).
Week 10; Prick off the seedlings, when large enough to handle into 3” (75m) pots and grow on until planting out time.
Week 13; Apply a mulch of well rotted manure/compost each year.
Week 18; Take basal cuttings from established plants, and place in a cold frame until planting out time the following May.
Week 21; Top dress planting area with a balanced fertiliser prior to planting out seedlings/cuttings 300-400mm (12"-16") apart.
They prefer full sun or a lightly shaded area, where the soil is humus rich, and well drained.
Week 35; Collect and sow ripe seeds and sow immediatly in pots/trays of seed compost and germinate at 16°- 18°C (60°-65°F).
Lift and replant any self seeded plantlets if required.
Week 44; Cut dead stem to ground level in late autumn.
