Rose campion

Rose campion, listed here as Lychnis coronaria and also known as Silene coronaria, is a short-lived perennial with soft, silvery-gray foliage. Upright stems carry vivid rose-purple to magenta flowers, with white forms also found; blooms appear in summer. ## Growing conditions Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Rose campion tolerates relatively dry conditions and works well in informal borders or cottage gardens. Its first-year rosettes mature into taller flowering stems; plants may self-seed and renew a planting naturally. ## Maintenance Deadhead regularly for continued flowering, or shear plants after the first flush to encourage later blooms. Leave some flowers to set seed if you want seedlings, and thin volunteers where they crowd neighboring plants. Remove faded growth as needed.