Characteristics and Cultivated Species of Lychnis Flowers

Lychnis flowers prefer cool, humid climates and grow poorly in hot, rainy seasons. They grow well in shaded environments and in loose, well-drained soil. They are commonly propagated by sowing and division. They are easy to cultivate; pinch back the seedlings during the seedling stage, keep the soil moist and apply fertilizer during the growing season, and ensure drainage during the rainy season. Their petals are jagged like cut fabric, exceptionally beautiful. They can be used as flowering ground cover or for flower beds, potted flowers, and cut flowers.

Common cultivated species include:

① Lychnis fulgens (large-flowered lychnis). Plant height 30~80 cm, flower diameter about 5 cm, 7~10 flowers clustered at the top of the stems, flowers deep red, flowering period June to September.

② Lychnis coronata (hairy-leaved lychnis). Plant height 40~80 cm, flowers pale red to rose red, flowering period May to July.

③ Lychnis chalcedonica (wrinkled-leaved lychnis). Plant height 40~60 cm, flowers red, hence also called scarlet lychnis, flowering period April to June.

④ Lychnis senno (lychnis). Plant height about 60 cm, flowers red or with white stripes, flowering period July to September.

⑤ Lychnis coronata (cut spring lychnis). Plant height 50~90 cm, flowers red, sometimes with orange or pure white markings, flowering period June to August, often planted under trees.

⑥ Lychnis fulgens (cut summer lychnis). Plant height 60~90 cm, flowers pale orange-red or white, terminal, several flowers in clusters, flowering period June to August.