Lychnis flos-cuculi

Lychnis flos-cuculi, also known as ragged robin or ragged-robin campion, is a marsh plant, easily recognisable by its clusters of pink flowers with dissected petals. It is graceful and delicate in appearance. It flowers in late spring and early summer. Ragged robin is an easy-to-grow perennial. Ideal in a garden with a free and wild look. It is a hardy plant that self-seeds easily.

Ragged robin belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family and is a relative of carnations. It is also known as cuckoo flower because it blooms when the cuckoo sings. It is an upright perennial that thrives in wet areas of Europe (marshes, bogs), and can also be found in meadows up to 2500m (8202ft) altitude. Its base is a stoloniferous stump, topped with bright green lanceolate spatulate leaves that can reach 12cm (5in) in length. From this, branching reddish stems (50 to 70cm (20 to 28in)) emerge in May-June, carrying clusters of bell-shaped calyxes, with a pinkish-purple colour veined with red, at their tips. The calyxes open to release bright pink flowers with a diameter of 3cm (1in), with five strongly dissected petals, forming almost very fine strips.

Lychnis flos-cuculi naturally grows in rich, moist soil in a sunny location. However, it also tolerates drier soils and partial shade. Slow-growing, it is used in borders, edgings, and ponds with astilbes, sedges, or other moist bank perennials. Its tall habit encourages group plantings to create a misty mass effect.

Tips: Remove faded flowers to encourage new flowering. Beware of attacks by gastropods.