Catchflies and Campions: Exploring the Diverse Genus Lychnis

Cottage garden staples for centuries, Lychnis (catchflies/campions) remain popular with ever-expanding variety. The name “catchfly” comes from sticky flower calyces that trap insects (e.g., German catchfly). “Campion” derives from Latin campus (field), referencing meadow habitats. Lychnis (Greek lychnos, lamp) alludes to felted leaves of rose campion once used as candle wicks. About 20 northern hemisphere species; closely related to Silene (botanists distinguish by style and capsule tooth counts).

Growing Conditions

Wild habitats range from fens and damp woods to rocky alpine zones. Most prefer moist soil; felted-leaf species (rose campion, flower-of-Jove) tolerate drought. Full sun best, except Asian woodlanders. Most hardy to zone 4, some to zone 3; Asian “orange” campions prefer zone 5+. Rampant self-seeders (L. coronaria, L. flos-jovis, L. flos-cuculi) need deadheading. Excellent for pollinator gardens.

European Species

Maltese Cross (L. chalcedonica)

Tallest common species (50–100+ cm). Native to eastern Europe/western Russia. Dense flat-topped heads of brilliant orange-red flowers. Long-lived, very hardy (zone 2b). Prefers moisture; suffers in drought. Stake in wind. Cultivars: ‘Alba’ (white), ‘Flore Plena’ (double scarlet), ‘Dusky Salmon’ (pink).

Rose Campion (L. coronaria) & Flower-of-Jove (L. flos-jovis)

Both have attractive grey-white felted foliage. Drought-tolerant, hardy to zone 3–4, best where winters aren’t too wet. Treat as biennials. Rose campion: magenta flowers (hard to place); cultivars ‘Alba’, ‘Angel Blush’ (white/pink), ‘Oculata’ (white with red eye). Flower-of-Jove: pink-red blooms. ‘Nana’/‘Peggy’ dwarf (20–30 cm) for rockery.

German Catchfly (L. viscaria)

Deep green narrow leaves, wand-like stems to 60 cm. Sticky upper stems trap insects. Wild form: purplish-red; many selections in white, pink, red, purple, single and double. Hardy to zone 4, longer-lived than most Lychnis.

Ragged Robin (L. flos-cuculi)

Elegant, deeply cut pale purple-pink flowers on wiry stems to 75 cm. Wildflower garden favorite. White, pink, and double selections. Dwarf ‘Nana’ (under 15 cm) for rock gardens.

Arctic-Alpine (L. alpina)

Miniature German catchfly lookalike. Hardy to zone 2 but hates hot summers—challenging in many gardens.

Asian Woodland Species

L. sieboldii, L. fulgens, L. miqueliana—large orange-red flowers, ~60 cm, prefer dappled shade and moisture, zone 5+. Hybrids L. × haageana common, quick to bloom from seed, often grown as annuals. Crosses with L. chalcedonica yield L. × arkwrightii (taller, bright orange, purple-tinted foliage); ‘Vesuvius’ is popular. Treat as annuals/biennials.

Whether campion, catchfly, or Lychnis, these pest-free, seed-grown perennials suit gardens from novice to expert.

Photo credits: flamingonut, Gabrielle, KMAC, mygardens, sanannie, saya, trilian, wannadanc (Dave’s Garden).