Lychnis viscaria Splendens

Lychnis viscaria 'Splendens', also known as catchfly, is an easy-to-maintain perennial plant of medium size. It forms a clump of slightly sticky stems, on which you may sometimes find a few small insects trapped. In spring, it produces tightly packed clusters of vibrant and colourful flowers, ranging from tyrian pink to magenta, perched on slender stems. It is a common sight in cottage gardens and informal gardens, thriving with just light and moderately moist soil.

Lychnis viscaria belongs to the family of Caryophyllaceae. This plant originates from Europe and Asia Minor, where it grows on cliffs and rocky areas. 'Splendens' is a more compact selection with a sparkling pink colour. It forms a wide, semi-evergreen clump, consisting of a rosette of narrow, lanceolate leaves with a beautiful bronze-green shade, glossy and forming a broad cushion. Numerous hairy and sticky floral stalks, especially at the nodes, emerge from this clump, which reaches about 45 cm (18in) in all directions. The flowering takes place in spring, in May-June. It is remarkably cheerful and vibrant. The flat flowers, measuring 2 cm (1in) in diameter, have 5 petals and are grouped in panicles with tiered cymes, tightly packed at the top of the floral stems. Their colour is vibrant, ranging from magenta pink to tyrian pink, intense.

Lychnis viscaria is an excellent perennial plant, long used in gardens. In borders or rockeries, associate it with valerians, giant rusty foxgloves, fragrant butterbur, damask nigellas, and peach-leaved bellflowers. It is a perfect perennial for slightly wild areas, alongside aromatic plants. It will enhance the romantic character of old roses.