Lychnis coronaria — commonly known as Rose Campion — is a perennial (often behaving as a biennial) from the Caryophyllaceae family, native to southern Europe. Valued for its bold color contrast and easy care, it has become a classic feature in cottage gardens and dry borders.
This plant forms rosettes of soft, silvery-gray, felted leaves, which create an elegant base for its vivid magenta, pink, or white flowers. The slender, upright stems can reach 60–90 cm (2–3 feet) in height and branch out to produce a profusion of blooms from late spring to midsummer. The brilliant flowers, each with five slightly notched petals, are particularly striking against the silvery foliage and attract butterflies and bees.
Lychnis coronaria thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating poor or rocky conditions and even light drought once established. It is a short-lived perennial, but it self-seeds generously, ensuring a continuous presence in the garden with minimal effort. Both resilient and decorative, Rose Campion adds vibrant color, soft texture, and old-fashioned charm to garden borders, gravel beds, and naturalized plantings.