Lychnis coronaria
Rose campion · Mullein Pink · Dusty miller
Description
Source: leafsnapSilene coronaria, the rose campion, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Asia and Europe. Other common names include dusty miller (this also refers to Centaurea cineraria and Jacobaea maritima), mullein-pink and bloody William. In the United Kingdom it is still widely referenced under its synonym Lychnis coronaria.The Latin coronaria means "used for garlands".It is a perennial growing to 80 cm (31 in) tall by 45 cm (18 in) wide, with grey felted leaves and single, bright magenta flowers produced in succession around July. Though short-lived, the plant readily self-seeds in favourable locations. It is sometimes grown as a biennial.
🌳 Little known to many, rose campion serves an important role as a refuge for beneficial insects. Its bright flowers and dense foliage offer habitat and nectar for pollinators, including butterflies and bees. This not only supports the plant’s reproduction but also fosters a biodiverse garden where these insects can thrive and, in turn, boost pollination for other plant species.
🎭 Don't change until death; you alone deserve my love.
Care Guide
💧 Water
Water the drought tolerant plant regularly during the active growing season. Reduce watering in the winter. If kept in a pot or tub, avoid overwatering. Water according to your usual schedule in the cottage or perennial garden. If you have to water, apply the moisture slowly. Water new plants more often for 2 weeks. Avoid over/under watering by checking the soil.
☀️ Light Full sun
Rose campion grows best in places that get plenty of sunlight all day, although it can tolerate areas with less daily sun. The plant originates from and is adapted to habitats with high sun exposure. Both too little and too much sunlight can affect its healthy growth.
🌡️ Temperature 5–32.2°C
Rose campion originates from temperate areas and favors moderate temperatures, specifically 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 °C). Seasonal adjustments may be required to sustain optimal growth by mimicking the temperature conditions of its native climate.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
A single spring application of fertilizer is typically enough for Rose campion, though several feedings can help it grow more vigorously. Apply fertilizer every month to six weeks. Fertilizing improves the leaves' appearance and performance, encouraging even color and a healthy texture. It also promotes root development and nutrient uptake for the plant's long-term health.
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
When repotting Rose campion, select a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball sits slightly below the rim of the pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and keep it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Lychnis coronaria has no toxic effects reported.
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial, Biennial, Annual
- Genus
- Lychnis
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 5-8
- Mature Height
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, White, Silver, Gray
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen, Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink, Red, White, Purple
- Flower Size
- 4.06 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Tajikistan, Turkey, India, Montenegro, Bulgaria, Pakistan, Greece, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Russia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Iran, Albania, Azerbaijan