CAMPION
Family CARYOPHYLLACEAE
Lychnis species
Perennial
This colourful genus, embracing Agrostemma and
Viscaria, is mostly found in Asia and also sometimes
in Europe.
Lychnis chalcedonica, the Jerusalem Cross, reaches
a height of three feet, with erect stems, bearing
at the apex flat heads, each comprising many single
flowers of brilliant scarlet;
There is also var. flore-pleno, a double form,
var. alba, a white form, and others of pink colouring.
Lychnis viscaria, the German Catchfly, reaches one
foot, with a short spike of reddish-pink flowers;
there are also rose-pink and white forms, and
one with double flowers somewhat resembling a
double-flowered Stock.
Lychnis coronaria, the Rose Campion, once known as
Agrostemma coronaria. Reaches two to three feet,
has single flowers, an inch across, of rose-crimson.
Lychnis haageana is a hybrid with flowers nearly two
inches across, that vary in colour from orange-red
to scarlet; the height does not exceed one foot.
Lychnis flosjovis, two and a half to three feet, has
bright pink blooms.
Easily grown in any well-cultivated soil.
Propagate by means of division or from seed.
The flowering season is in June and early July.
See also : Lychnis
and Rose of Heaven
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