Lychnis coronaria and L. coronaria 'Alba'

The Duo consists of:

x 1 Lychnis coronaria: the species type, with intensely magenta pink flowers.

x 1 Lychnis coronaria 'Alba': identical to the previous one, but with immaculate white flowers.

Lychnis coronaria is a short-lived perennial plant with a woody base, completely covered in grey fuzz. It first forms rosettes near the ground, from which, starting in the second year of cultivation, stems rise between 60 and 80cm (24 and 32in), depending on the nature of the soil. Flowering constantly renews from June to September, in the form of bouquets of single flowers with 5 flat petals, measuring 4cm (2in) in diameter. The leaves are oblong, semi-evergreen to evergreen if the winter is not too cold. Campions love the sun, tolerate limestone soils very well, but not heavy clay soils that remain waterlogged in winter.

Plant Rose Campions in groups of four or mix them with other plants, as a single plant can look a bit gangly. Count 4 to 6 plants per square metre, one year is enough to achieve a beautiful effect. They are an excellent filler flower, ideal for quickly filling spaces between other plants in a brand new flowerbed. Rose Campions elegantly accompany roses and catmints in a romantic garden. In a more rustic style, associate them with grasses (small Miscanthus, Pennisetum 'Black Beauty' with dark spikes, Stipa capillata with silver hair...) and Russian sages (Perovskia). In a rocky flowerbed or rock garden, plant Garden Pinks with aromatic plants such as Tricolor Sage, Thymus capitatus with clustered thyme heads, lavender, or rosemary.