Lychnis

This group of perennials, annuals and biennials are found wild in the North Temperate and Arctic zones. These plants are grown for their pretty flowers. The height ranges from 1 to 4 feet among the different varieties. L. viscaria, the Alpine Catchfly, is an erect growing perennial found on dry, rocky hills and cliffs from Europe to western Asia. The green, oval- to lance-shaped leaves are sticky-hairy beneath. In early summer, a profusion of small, sticky, star-shaped flowers are borne in thick, upright spikes; they are bright reddish-purple. L. coronaria has oval- to lance-shaped, silvery-gray leaves, which are very fuzzy. It has tons of pretty, single flowers in open, gray-stemmed sprays throughout the summer. The colors range from bright magenta-pink to rose-crimson. This perennial is found naturally from southeast Europe to Iran and Turkestan. L. chalcedonica, the Jerusalem Cross or Maltese Cross, is a very attractive, hardy perennial. It is a native to Russia. In the summer, it bears large heads of vivid scarlet flowers. Other varieties will be mentioned below.

Pot Cultivation

Grow these plants in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sunny location. Some varieties may need to be staked and planted in a fairly sheltered spot.

Propagation

These plants may be increased by division or seeds sown in light soil, in the spring or fall.