Lychnis

Lychnis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. It is native to Europe and western Asia and comprises herbaceous annuals and perennials that are grown for their showy flowers.

Taxonomy and nomenclature: Historically, Lychnis was recognized as a distinct genus, but many species have been reassigned to Silene as taxonomic understanding improved. In horticulture, several plants commonly sold as Lychnis are now listed as Silene species, for example Lychnis chalcedonica is Silene chalcedonica; Lychnis coronaria is Silene coronaria; Lychnis flos-cuculi is Silene flos-cuculi.

Description: Plants are typically clump-forming, with opposite, simple leaves and erect or branching stems. Flowers appear in loose cymes or panicles and have five petals, often with lobes or a distinctive notch. The petals are frequently bright red, pink, or white, and the calyx is tubular with persistent sepals. The fruit is a capsule.

Cultivation and use: Lychnis species prefer sunny, well-drained soils and are drought-tolerant once established. They are grown primarily as ornamental perennials or annuals in temperate gardens. Propagation is by seed, cuttings, or division, depending on species.

Notable species and aliases: Lychnis chalcedonica (Silene chalcedonica) – Maltese cross; Lychnis coronaria (Silene coronaria) – rose campion; Lychnis flos-cuculi (Silene flos-cuculi) – ragged robin; Lychnis viscaria (Silene viscaria) – sticky catchfly.