LYCHNIS. Europe, Asia. Perennials related to the pinks (Dianthus) and silenes. They have highly variable foliage and colorful, five-petalled blossoms clustered at the tips of the current shoots. The petals are often notched or partly divided, as in the silenes. Sun, well drained soil, moderate to occasional watering. The following should be hardy to 0^oF or less.

alpina. Europe, North America. A tightly clumping perennial, with basal rosettes of narrow, dark green leaves, about 2" long. In summer it sends up 1' blooming stems, tipped by clusters of small, purplish red blossoms. A nice rock garden subject.

coronaria. Rose campion. A useful plant for foliage as well as flowers. It forms permanent clumps, with broad, white-woolly basal leaves. In summer the blooming stems rise 1' to nearly 3', displaying clusters of blood red to pure white blossoms, a little over an inch broad. We grow an unnamed seed strain featuring dark red flowers. ‘Alba’ has pure white flowers. ‘Angel Blush’ has mostly pale pink flowers, often fading as they age to white.