Lychnis flos-cuculi
ragged robin
L. flos-cuculi is an upright perennial to 70cm, with branched stems bearing opposite, lance-shaped leaves and, in late spring and early summer, terminal clusters of star-shaped deep rose-pink flowers, each petal deeply cut into 4 narrow segments
Other common names
crow flowercrow soap
see morecuckoo
cuckoo flower
cuckoo gilliflower
cuckoo hood
Indian pink
marsh gilliflower
meadow lychnis
meadow pink
wild William
Synonyms
Silene flos-cuculi
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Lychnis can be biennials or perennials, with simple leaves and tubular, salver-shaped or star-shaped flowers in terminal clusters
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe, Caucasus, Russia
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in a moist, moderately fertile soil in sun or part shade. Well suited to moist meadows or wild gardens
Propagation
Propagate by seed, division or take basal cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead to prolong flowering
Pests
Generally pest free
Diseases
Generally disease free
Get involved
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