Lychnis coronaria ‘Alba’ (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 80cm
Eventual Spread: 50cm
Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Lychnis coronaria ’Alba’ is a clump forming short lived perennial with an upright habit. Its grey/ silver leaves are lanceolate with entire margins, up to 8cm long and 2.5cm broad and have a wooly surface. Its white flowers are up to 2cm across. Its fruit is a small capsule.
Lychnis coronaria ‘Alba’ Flower (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
The species Lychnis coronaria, commonly known as Corn Rose, Dusty Miller, Mullein-pink, Rose Cockle and Bloody William, is native to southern and central Europe and central Asia. Lychnis coronaria is synonymous with Silene coronaria and Agrostemma coronaria.
The etymological root of the binomial name Lychnis is derived from the Greek lychnos meaning ‘a lamp’, in reference to its historic use as a lamp wick. Coronaria is from the Latin meaning ‘ a woman who sells/ makes garlands’. This plant is not attractive to rabbits.
The landscape architect may find Lychnis coronaria ’Alba’ useful as part of a mixed herbaceous planting scheme. It is also suitable in prairie type planting. It is drought tolerant once established. This plant will readily self seed.
Ecologically, Lychnis coronaria ’Alba’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Lychnis coronaria ’Alba’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Lychnis coronaria ‘Alba’ Leaf (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Lychnis coronaria ’Alba’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate waterlogged soils.
Lychnis coronaria requires little maintenance.
