20 Popular Types Of Lychnis Pictorial Guide

Lychnis, also known as campion, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. This genus consists of approximately 110 species, and they are found in various regions of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North America. The name Lychnis is derived from the Greek word “lychnos,” which means lamp, and refers to the bright colors of the flowers.

Lychnis plants are mostly herbaceous, and they come in a range of sizes, from small annuals to larger perennials. They are characterized by their attractive, showy flowers, which come in shades of pink, red, orange, and white. The flowers have five petals and are arranged in clusters at the top of the stem.

One of the most common species of Lychnis is Lychnis chalcedonica, also known as the Maltese cross or scarlet lightning. This plant is native to eastern Europe and western Asia and has been cultivated in gardens for centuries. It grows up to 3 feet tall and has bright red, clustered flowers that bloom in summer.

Another popular species is Lychnis coronaria, commonly known as rose campion or dusty miller. This plant is native to Europe and has been grown in gardens since the Middle Ages. It has striking silver-gray leaves and produces bright magenta or pink flowers in summer.

Lychnis plants are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for gardeners of all levels of experience. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They are drought-tolerant and do not require a lot of water, but they do benefit from occasional fertilization.

In addition to their ornamental value, Lychnis plants have some medicinal properties. They contain saponins, which are natural detergents that have been used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The roots of some species have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat digestive disorders.

Overall, Lychnis is a beautiful and easy-to-grow genus of flowering plants that can add color and interest to any garden. With their attractive flowers and low-maintenance requirements, they are a great choice for gardeners who want to add some color and beauty to their outdoor space.

Here is 20 Popular Types Of Lychnis Pictorial Guide:

Lychnis Coronaria ‘Gardeners’ World’ – Gardeners’ World Rose Campion

Lychnis Coronaria ‘Gardeners’ World’, commonly known as Gardeners’ World Rose Campion, is a herbaceous perennial plant that is popular among gardeners for its showy pink-purple flowers and silvery-grey foliage. It typically grows up to 60cm in height and produces clusters of flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil and is often used in cottage gardens and borders. It is a hardy plant that requires minimal maintenance, making it an ideal choice for novice gardeners.

Lychnis Flos-Cuculi ‘Petite Henri’ – Petite Henri Ragged Robin

Lychnis Flos-Cuculi ‘Petite Henri’, also known as Petite Henri Ragged Robin, is a cultivar of the ragged robin flower species. It is a perennial plant that produces delicate pink flowers with deeply divided petals and a dark center. ‘Petite Henri’ is a compact variety, reaching a height of only about 30 cm (12 in) and is commonly grown in gardens as an ornamental plant.

Lychnis Chalcedonica ‘Dusky Salmon’ – Dusky Salmon Maltese Cross

Lychnis chalcedonica ‘Dusky Salmon’ is a cultivar of the Maltese Cross plant. It is known for its beautiful dusky salmon-pink flowers that bloom in late spring and early summer. This plant typically grows to a height of two to three feet and thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It is a popular choice for garden borders and attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Lychnis Flos-Cuculi ‘Petite Jenny’ – Petite Jenny Ragged Robin

Lychnis Flos-Cuculi ‘Petite Jenny’, commonly known as Petite Jenny Ragged Robin, is a compact and charming perennial plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family. It produces masses of pink, five-petaled flowers with deeply divided petals that resemble a ragged edge, blooming from late spring to early summer. The plant grows up to 12 inches tall and prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. It is a popular choice for rock gardens, borders, and cottage gardens.

Lychnis Chalcedonica ‘Molten Lava’ – Molten Lava Maltese Cross

Lychnis Chalcedonica ‘Molten Lava’, also known as Molten Lava Maltese Cross, is a stunning perennial plant with fiery red-orange blooms that resemble lava. It blooms in midsummer and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It grows up to 3 feet tall and is an excellent choice for garden borders and cut flower arrangements.

Lychnis Wilfordii – Wilford’s Campion

Lychnis Wilfordii, commonly known as Wilford’s Campion, is a herbaceous perennial plant native to China. It produces clusters of pink or purple flowers on tall, slender stems that can reach up to 2 feet in height. The plant blooms in summer and attracts bees and butterflies. It is often grown in rock gardens or used as a border plant in sunny, well-drained areas.

Lychnis Flos-Cuculi ‘White Robin’ – White Ragged Robin

Lychnis Flos-Cuculi ‘White Robin’, commonly known as White Ragged Robin, is an herbaceous perennial plant that produces delicate white flowers with fringed petals. This variety is a cultivar of the wildflower Lychnis Flos-Cuculi and is prized for its white blooms that add a soft, elegant touch to any garden. The plant grows up to 60cm in height and blooms from early summer to mid-autumn. It is a popular choice for cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and borders.

Lychnis Miqueliana – Miquel’s Catchfly

Lychnis Miqueliana, commonly known as Miquel’s Catchfly, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Japan and grows up to 60 cm tall with clusters of bright pink or red flowers. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer and is commonly found in rocky areas, on cliffs, and in open fields.

Lychnis Cognata – Conga Campion

Lychnis Cognata, commonly known as Conga Campion, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to rocky slopes and alpine meadows in western North America, including parts of California, Oregon, and Washington. The plant produces clusters of pink to purple flowers atop tall stems, and its leaves are long and narrow. It is a hardy perennial that is popular in rock gardens and other alpine settings.

Lychnis Flos-Jovis – Jupiter’s Flower

Lychnis Flos-Jovis, commonly known as Jupiter’s Flower, is a perennial plant species belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to central and southern Europe, and is characterized by its bright pink to magenta-colored flowers, which bloom in early summer. The plant prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure, and is often cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.

Lychnis x Arkwrightii – Arkwright’s Campion

Lychnis x Arkwrightii, commonly known as Arkwright’s Campion, is a hybrid species of perennial flowering plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is a cross between Lychnis flos-cuculi and Lychnis viscaria and is known for its attractive pink to magenta-colored flowers that bloom in clusters from late spring to early summer. The plant is often used as an ornamental garden plant and is known for its hardiness and ease of cultivation.

Lychnis Maritima – Sea Campion

Lychnis Maritima, commonly known as Sea Campion, is a species of flowering plant found in coastal regions of Europe and North Africa. It has distinctive white or pink flowers with deeply notched petals and silvery-grey foliage that helps it withstand harsh coastal conditions. Sea Campion is a hardy plant that can grow in a variety of soils and is often used in landscaping projects to add a touch of rugged beauty to coastal gardens.

Lychnis Senno – Senno Catchfly

Lychnis Senno, also known as Senno Catchfly, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Japan and is primarily found in mountainous areas. The plant produces beautiful pink or red flowers, which bloom during the summer months. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and is also used in traditional Japanese medicine for its medicinal properties. The species is named after the Japanese word “senno,” which means “pure white,” referring to the white corolla of the flower.

Lychnis Fulgens – Scarlet Lightning

Lychnis Fulgens, commonly known as Scarlet Lightning or Indian Pink, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. Native to the Himalayas and southwestern China, it produces striking scarlet-red flowers that bloom in late spring and summer. The plant typically reaches heights of 30–60 cm and prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and is known for its attractive blooms and ease of cultivation.

Lychnis Yunnanensis – Yunnan Catchfly

Lychnis Yunnanensis, also known as Yunnan Catchfly, is a flowering plant species native to Yunnan Province in China. It belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae and typically grows in rocky habitats at high elevations. The plant produces showy pink or magenta flowers that bloom in summer, making it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes. The species is also known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments. However, it is threatened in the wild due to habitat loss and over-harvesting.

Lychnis Alpina – Alpine Catchfly

Lychnis Alpina, commonly known as Alpine Catchfly, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to the high-altitude regions of the European Alps and other mountain ranges in Europe. The plant produces bright pink to magenta-colored flowers that bloom in the summer months. Alpine Catchfly grows in rocky alpine habitats and is an important food source for pollinators such as butterflies and bees. The species is considered rare and endangered due to the loss of its natural habitat.

Lychnis Viscaria – German Catchfly

Lychnis Viscaria, also known as German Catchfly, is a flowering plant species native to Europe and Asia. It typically grows in open grasslands and rocky areas, and produces clusters of bright pink to purple flowers from late spring to early summer. The plant’s name “Catchfly” comes from the sticky sap that covers its stems and leaves, which was traditionally used to trap and kill insects.

Lychnis Coronaria – Rose Campion

Lychnis Coronaria, commonly known as Rose Campion, is a species of herbaceous perennial plant in the carnation family. It is native to southern Europe and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its showy, magenta-colored flowers that bloom in summer. The plant has a silvery-green foliage that adds contrast to its colorful flowers. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can grow up to 2-3 feet tall. It is also known to attract butterflies and bees.

Lychnis Flos-Cuculi – Ragged Robin

Lychnis Flos-Cuculi, An herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe and Asia goes by the name “Ragged Robin.” It typically grows to a height of 30-60 cm and produces delicate, pink flowers with deeply lobed petals that give them a “ragged” appearance. The plant prefers moist habitats such as damp meadows, marshes, and riverbanks, and is often cultivated as an ornamental garden plant. It also has some traditional medicinal uses.

Lychnis Chalcedonica – Maltese Cross

Lychnis Chalcedonica, commonly known as Maltese Cross, is a perennial flowering plant native to Russia and Siberia. It grows up to 3–4 feet tall and produces clusters of bright scarlet-red flowers atop sturdy stems. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.

How To Grow And Care For Lychnis

Lychnis, also known as campion, is a genus of flowering plants that are relatively easy to grow and care for. Here are some general guidelines for growing and caring for Lychnis:

• Location: Lychnis prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It prefers routine irrigation but may endure brief periods of drought.

• Planting: You can sow Lychnis seeds directly into the soil in the spring or fall, or start them indoors and transplant them outside when the weather warms up. Space the plants about 12–18 inches apart.

• Soil: Lychnis prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil pH (around 7.0–7.5). You can add lime to your soil to change the pH if it is excessively acidic.

• Fertilizer: Lychnis does not require a lot of fertilizer, but you can give it a balanced fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10) once or twice a year to encourage growth.

• Watering: Lychnis prefers regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods. Water the leaves deeply and avoid getting them wet to prevent fungal diseases.

• Pruning: Lychnis does not require much pruning, but you can deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers. You can also trim back the foliage in the fall to tidy up the plant.

• Pests and diseases: Lychnis is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases, but it can be affected by powdery mildew or rust in humid conditions. You can prevent these diseases by avoiding overhead watering and providing good air circulation around the plants.

By following these guidelines, you should be able to grow and care for healthy Lychnis plants.

How To Propagate Lychnis

Lychnis is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae. The plants in this genus are typically easy to grow and propagate. Here are some steps to propagate Lychnis:

• Propagate by seed: Lychnis can be propagated by seed. Collect the seeds from the plants when the seed pods are dry and brown. Sow the seeds in a seed tray or pots filled with moist, well-draining soil in late winter or early spring. Till they sprout, the seeds need to be lightly covered with soil and kept damp.

• Division: Lychnis can also be propagated by division. Dig up the mature plant in early spring or late autumn and carefully divide it into smaller sections, making sure each section has a good root system. Replant the divisions in drained soil and give them plenty of water.

• Stem cuttings: Lychnis can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in early summer. Take 4-6 inch-long cuttings of new growth and remove the lower leaves. Plant it in a pot with an equal amount of sand and peat moss after dipping the cut end in rooting fluid. Maintain soil moisture and offer direct, bright sunshine.

• Layering: Lychnis can also be propagated by layering. Choose a healthy stem on the parent plant and bend it down to the ground. Make a small cut in the stem where it touches the soil, and cover the cut with soil. Secure the stem in place with a wire or stake. The stem will eventually produce roots and can be cut away from the parent plant and transplanted.

• Tissue culture: Lychnis can also be propagated by tissue culture in a laboratory. This method involves taking small pieces of plant tissue and placing them in a sterile, nutrient-rich medium. The tissue is allowed to grow and develop in a controlled environment, producing multiple new plants that are genetically identical to the original plant.

• Air layering: Air layering is another method of propagating Lychnis. Select a healthy stem and remove a small section of bark about 1 inch wide at a point where you want the new plant to form roots. Apply rooting hormone to the wound and wrap the area with damp sphagnum moss, securing it in place with plastic wrap or a rubber band. Roots will form in the moss, and once they are well developed, the stem can be cut below the new roots and planted in well-draining soil.

Overall, Lychnis is a fairly easy plant to propagate using a variety of methods, so you should be able to find a technique that works best for you.

Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Lychnis

Q: What is Lychnis?

A: Lychnis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. It includes over 20 species of annuals and perennials that are native to Europe, Asia, and North America.

Q: What are the common names for Lychnis?

A: Lychnis is commonly known as a catchfly or campion. Some specific species have their own common names, such as Maltese cross for Lychnis chalcedonica and ragged robin for Lychnis flos cuculi.

Q: How do I grow Lychnis?

A: Lychnis prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Most species are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. They can be propagated by seeds or cuttings, and they benefit from regular deadheading to encourage continuous flowering.

Q: What are the uses of Lychnis?

A: Lychnis is primarily grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping. Some species, such as Lychnis coronaria, have been used for medicinal purposes in the past, although their effectiveness has not been scientifically proven.

Q: Is Lychnis poisonous?

A: There is no evidence that Lychnis is toxic to humans or animals. However, some species, such as Lychnis viscaria, contain saponins that can cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested in large quantities.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Lychnis

1. The name “Lychnis” comes from the Greek word “lychnos,” which means lamp or candle. This is because some species have flowers that look like they are glowing, especially in the evening.
2. Lychnis flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, and orange. Some species, such as Lychnis chalcedonica, have bright scarlet blooms that are particularly eye-catching.
3. Many species of Lychnis are known for their attractive foliage, which can be gray-green or blue-green in color and may be hairy or smooth.
4. Some species of Lychnis are known for their use in traditional medicine. For example, Lychnis coronaria has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive problems and anxiety.
5. Some species of Lychnis are also edible and have been used in traditional cuisines. The leaves of Lychnis flos-jovis, for example, can be eaten raw or cooked, and are said to have a sweet, nutty flavor.
6. Lychnis species are popular garden plants, particularly in cottage gardens and wildflower meadows. They are easy to grow and can be propagated by seed or by dividing mature plants.
7. Many species of Lychnis are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them a valuable addition to any garden or landscape.
8. In some cultures, Lychnis is associated with love and romance. In medieval times, it was believed that wearing a garland of Lychnis flowers would make a person more attractive to their beloved.
9. Some species of Lychnis have been used as natural dyes. The roots of Lychnis alpina, for example, can be used to create a yellow or orange dye.
10. Despite its many uses and attractive qualities, some species of Lychnis can be invasive and may compete with native plants for resources. It is important to research the specific species before planting it in your garden or landscape to ensure that it is not an invasive species in your area.