Lychnis flos-cuculi

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Lychnis flos-cuculi

Family: (Caryophyllaceae)

(P) to 2′.  Ragged Robin.  Europe.  Erect, branching stems hold a long succession of shaggy, soft lavender-pink blooms.  The flowers have five narrow petals; each deeply divided into four lobes giving the flower an untidy, ragged appearance, hence its common name.  The leaves are paired, with the lower leaves spoon-shaped, stalked and forming a basal rosette.  The middle and upper leaves are linear-lanceolate with pointed apexes and entire margins.  The stems have barbed hairs pointing downward and these hairs make the plant rough to the touch.  Blooms from May through August.  A sight to behold en masse.  Full sun with moist, but well-drained soil.  4 & T2