Rose Campion from Grandma's Garden

I grew up taking these deep magenta blossoms for granted. 

They were practically ubiquitous in our rambling sidewalk borders, 

and were most likely planted from seed shared with my Grandmother decades ago.

My Mother called them a "single phlox", and it's not hard to see why she made that error. 

Rose Campion is just one of the many common names for Lychnis coronaria. 

I think it sounds like a heroine from an Edwardian novel.

Because they multiply rapidly by seed, at one point they were so prolific I pulled them out every time I saw them. Now that they are under control, I realize what a treasure they really are.

• Long lasting blooming season in mid-spring (some repeat blooms in summer-fall)
• Velvety deep magenta blossoms
• Felted silvery stems and leaves (like Lamb's Ear)
• Fairly drought tolerant
• Cold hardy 
• Self sowing (generously)
• Transplants easily
• Attracts bees, butterflies and humming birds
• Deer Resistant 
• Evergreen - does not go dormant in winter
• Good cut flower
• Easy to grow
• Seldom needs staking
• Adaptable to sun or medium shade
• Works well combined with other plants in the border.

Reading other postings about this plant, many people mention that it just showed up in their garden. Birds? Wind? Happy circumstance!

Drawbacks:

Spent flower stems are not attractive. 

I cut it back mid summer.

Prolific seed production. 

Young plants are easily pulled out.

Needs drainage. 

I think of this perennial more like a self sewing annual, because our Oregon winters are often too wet for established plants. 

Just more photos (below)

Rose Campion and Lavender

Rose Campion's silver foliage contrasts nicely with brighter greens in the border.