The lychnis (lich-nuhs) plant, also known as the rose campion, is an old-fashioned perennial flowering plant known for its bright magenta or white flowers.
Lychnis grow in garden beds, indoor pots, or tubs.
The lychnis is a species within the Caryophyllaceae (car-y-o-phyl-la-ce-ae) family.
It is known as the “silene coronaria,” and the “lychnis caronaria” in the United Kingdom. They are native to Northern Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe.
Since they are hardy, lychnis plants are known for being drought resistant and drought tolerant.
The rose campion is one of 20 species within the Lychnis family.
The name rose campion comes from the use of its flowers to create garlands for athletic champions.
Lychnis means “lamp” in Greek, from its ancient use when its felt leaves were used as lamp wicks.
Common names for the Lychnis plant include:
- Mullein pink
- Bloody William
- Lamp flower
- Rabbit’s ears
- Rose of Heaven
- Catchfly
Lychnis grows naturally on rocky hillsides and does well in rock gardens and wildflower meadows.
The lychnis leaves and foliage are pale dusty green with a soft felt-like texture. Its bright-colored flowers bloom, and they last only a day.
When it is not flowering, the lychnis plant creates added greens to the garden with a soft texture.
The first year you grow lychnis, they may not flower too well. However, in the second year, the blooms will be numerous.
This is because they are eager to grow and regenerate as they reseed each year.
Quick Facts On Lychnis
- Family: Caryophyllaceae
- Light: Full outdoor sunlight
- Temperature: Around 70° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Water once a week during summer
- Fertilizer: 15-30-15 during flowering
- Propagation: Divide the plant and repot during early spring.
- Common Problems: Aphids, slugs, leaf spots, botrytis, rust.
Lychnis Plant Care
How Big Do Lamp Flowers Grow?
Most species of lychnis have the same structure. Lychnis plants are typically bushy plants that have tall, upright growth. Their stems will typically grow to be 16″ inches tall.
Lychnis plants typically do not last very long but will regenerate where they grow better. So they may die one year but regrow the next.
When Does Lamp Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Lychnis plants do flower. Dependent on the species, the flowers may be white, purple, or bright magenta.
Their blooms only last one day, and they may not bloom the first year it is planted.
However, in the second year, they will flower a great amount. After that, it may not grow again until the following year.
While they are bright in color, lychnis blooms are not fragrant flowers.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Lychnis can grow in any region, even in snowy areas. They are a hardy plant fitted for USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8.
Right before a bloom, lychnis plants prefer a cooler temperature. So if you want your lychnis to bloom or have a fuller bloom, you should plant it in a cold space during the spring with a temperature below 65° degrees Fahrenheit.
Lychnis prefer bright outdoor sunlight, but they can handle partial shade. They must be placed near an area that receives full afternoon sun if they are indoors.
However, their leaves may burn from UV exposure if they are in a window.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Lychnis Lamp Flower?
During the growing season, water your lychnis regularly to promote growth and flowering.
However, it is important to reduce watering during the colder months to avoid root rot.
Ensure its soil is well drained, so your lychnis is not sitting in standing water, leading to overwatering.
Using standard flower or garden fertilizer, it is best to fertilize your rose campion. You should feed your plant in the spring and summer months while your plant is in bloom.
What Is The Best Soil For Lychnis Lamp Flower And When Should You Transplant?
The best soil for a lychnis is porous and fast draining. Lychnis prefers well-draining soil to avoid overwatering.
However, it cannot handle wet soil and will have difficulty growing.
You should transplant your lychnis every 2 to 3 years. You should repot your plant each spring during the growing season in a pot that is slightly larger than the last.
After you do repot your lychnis, water it slightly to encourage growth.
Does Lychnis Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
The lychnis does not need any grooming, but you can cut dead blooms to encourage growth.
However, the plant is self-seeding, so if you cut the flowers, you may get less growth the following year.
When pruning, you should cut the stems back in the colder months while their growth has slowed.
How To Propagate Rose Campion?
Be sure to propagate your plant during the growing season in the spring and summer.
For example, you should divide the plant by its natural divisions to propagate a rose campion plant.
After dividing the plant, you should repot it in porous soil in small pots. You can also add mulch to create well-draining soil.
Water and fertilize your plants and let them grow.
Rose Campion Pests And Diseases
Rose campions are quite hardy plants, leaving them free from pests and diseases.
However, if you do get pests, they usually are aphids.
To rid your plants of aphids, wash them with insecticidal soap.
Rose campions may get leaf spot diseases. To correct this issue, you should remove the affected leaves.