Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Lychnis coronaria
Rose Campion

- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Height
- 16–36 inches
- Width
- 12–18 inches
- Flower color
- Magenta to pink with a frilled star-like shape
- Foliage color
- Silvery-gray
- Bloom time
- June to August
- Light
- Full sun to light shade
- Water
- Drought-tolerant once established; appreciates supplemental moisture for best appearance
- Maintenance
- Deadhead spent flowers to promote continuous blooming; may self-seed prolifically
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3–8
- Wildlife
- Butterflies, hummingbirds
About this plant
Lychnis coronaria is a hardy perennial with silvery foliage and bold magenta to dark pink flowers. The plant features dense clusters of five-petaled blooms that appear in late spring to early summer, rising above its rosettes of soft, woolly, gray-green leaves. The flowers have a unique, almost iridescent quality that stands out in the garden. The silvery leaves provide a beautiful contrast to the bright blossoms, adding texture and interest to flower beds or borders.
Lychnis coronaria thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for dry, sunny spots in the garden. It is also deer-resistant, adding to its appeal in various garden settings. Its resilience and long blooming period make it a reliable choice for creating captivating displays, while its ability to self-seed allows it to spread naturally, adding to its charm and ease of care.
Works well in
Borders · Sun Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Hummingbird Gardens · Waterwise Gardens
Companion plants
Coreopsis · Russian sage · Sedums · Peonies · Coneflowers · Salvias
Design tip
Foliage and form do most of the work here, so lean on texture and repetition rather than one flowering moment. Give it open sun and room to fill out, and repeat it in threes or fives so the planting reads as one sweep instead of scattered dots.
