Lychnis coronaria - Rose Campion, Johnny Prick Nose

Lychnis coronaria has magenta flowers and that color is forbidden in some circles. But I like a lively display. Rose Campion does wake you up. I get lots of comments from garden visitors. Lychnis coronaria must be rationed in the garden if only because deadheading can take forever. And the seedlings will be prolific if you don't. A few Rose Campion plants can spike up the spring like little else can. The foliage of this Mullien has often been mistaken for a Dusty Miller, but not after it puts out these brilliant magenta pink flowers. The soft gray foliage is pleasing to the eye and holds little clue as to what is on its way If left to their own devices Rose Campion will bloom out in about 6 weeks in May and June. Lychnis coronaria can continue to bloom much of the Summer if you have enough patience to deadhead. They readily seed out and rarely last more than a second season. Lychnis coronaria has no scent so far as I can tell, but Johnny wouldn't know that or so the story goes.