Lychnis flos-cuculi - Ragged Robin seeds

Lychnis Flos-cuculi, also known as the Meadow Pink or ragged robin, is a perennial that blooms continuously from May to July with delicate, finely cut, pink flowers. It is hardy and thrives in wet meadows or at the edge of a pond, and tolerates partial shade. Its wild appearance brings a very refined touch to "natural" gardens.

Ragged Robin has elegant flowering at the time when the cuckoo sings. It is a perennial that flourishes in the wetlands of Europe (marshes, bogs) and can also be found in high-altitude meadows. Its base is a stoloniferous crown topped with lanceolate, spatulate leaves that can reach 12 cm (5in) long. From this base, reddish-tinged, branched stems (50 to 80 cm (20 to 32in)) emerge that bear bell-shaped, red-veined calyxes at their tips. The flowers are pink corollas, approximately 3 cm (1in) in diameter, with five finely cut petals, almost in ribbons. They are very delicate and react to the slightest breeze.

Its rather slender habit encourages you to plant Lychnis flos-cuculi in a group, to create a mass effect. You can plant them near a body of water, in moist soil, preferably in the sun, with companions that appreciate the same conditions such as astilbes. It will take a little time to establish, so keep an eye out for slugs and snails.