Looking for a charming and stylish addition to your garden? Look no further than the rose campion! This perennial, known by its Latin name Lychnis coronaria and common name rose campion, is a clump-forming plant that can reach heights of 18 to 28 inches (45 to 70 cm). With a planting density of 4 to 6 plants per 10 square feet (per m²), rose campion thrives in sunny exposures and well-drained soil of any type. Its stunning crimson-red flowers bloom from July to August, standing out against its velvety gray leaves. As a hardy perennial, rose campion adapts well to various climates, making it a unique and valuable addition to any flower bed.

Rose campion is a fantastic plant that is both strong and easy to care for. With its ability to thrive in almost any soil pH and type, it’s the perfect addition to any garden. It’s also great for growing in pots, although it may grow a bit shorter. If you’re looking to pair it with another plant, silver ragwort is an excellent choice. For optimal growth, make sure to give it enough sunlight and well-drained soil. In terms of maintenance, rose campion is low-maintenance and durable, making it a great choice for those who want a beautiful garden without too much work.

Taking care of rose campion is easy, with only two essential actions to remember. First, remove the faded flowers through deadheading, which not only encourages new blooms but also prevents the plant from over-seeding. Second, if you want to control its size, trim the foliage in the fall.

To propagate rose campion, you can choose between seeding and division. Seeding takes more patience but can produce multiple plants. On the other hand, division is a faster method but with limited results, providing only 2-6 plants depending on the clump’s size.

If you opt for seeding, you can let nature take its course or collect the seeds yourself and sow them in a mix of potting soil and sand in April. Water them, and by fall, you’ll have new plants ready for transfer. Division is another option for propagation.

To increase the number of rose campion plants in your garden, you have the option of dividing the perennial into multiple plants. To do this, carefully uproot the plant in the autumn using a digging fork, taking care not to damage the roots. Then, replant the new divisions that you created. A useful tip is to avoid dividing in the spring if you live in an area with dry summers since the plant may not have enough time to regrow roots before facing potential drought.

Rose campion is highly resilient and can withstand various diseases. While snails and slugs may occasionally nibble on the leaves, it is not a significant issue for this plant.

When it comes to usage and pairing, rose campion adds a pop of color to any garden bed or border and pairs well with other perennials such as salvia, yarrow, and catmint. Its vibrant pink or magenta blooms also make stunning cut flowers for bouquets or arrangements.

Rose campion is a delightful and visually pleasing plant that produces an abundance of flowers. To maintain its beauty, it’s important to regularly trim off any faded blooms. What makes this plant even better is its resilience and versatility. It can be used in various settings, including flowerbeds, as a border plant, in rock gardens, and even in pots. For an eye-catching display, consider pairing rose campion with Veronica spicata ‘Erika’ or ‘Incana’, Stachys byzantina, or Nepeta x faassenii in a flowerbed. This combination will create a stunning array of grays complemented by shades of pink, violet, and crimson.