Lychnis chalcedonica Dusky Salmon
Hardy Herbaceous Perennial
- Flowers: Summer
- Position: Full sun
- Soil: Well drained
- Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
- Height: 54 inches
- Germination: Easy
- Aftercare: Easy
- Special Features: Flowers in first year
- Ideal for: Border
Description
Spectacular in the perennial border and easily grown.
Many florets make up one head often 10cm (4in) across and a well grown plant will have many heads on strong stems.
It is excellent for cutting and plants will bloom throughout the summer under hot or cold climate conditions.
Flowering in its first summer from an early sowing it needs no staking and thrives in most soils.
Height 1-1.2m (3-4½ft).
Flowers summer.
Sowing Instructions
| Sowing time: | February to April. |
|---|
Sow on the surface of a good seed compost.
Keep the soil moist but not wet.
Do not exclude light; sealing in a polythene bag, after sowing is helpful.
Place in a propagator or warm place, germination usually takes 3-4 weeks at 20-25C (70-75F).
Do not exclude light which is beneficial to germination.
Growing Instructions
When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant in to trays or 7.5cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions.
Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out in spring or early summer, 30-38cm (12-15in) apart in a sunny spot on ordinary, well drained soil.
Aftercare Instructions
As the flowers fade, remove the heads regularly to prolong flowering.
In late autumn, cut down the stems to ground level.
