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.