Lipstick Lychnis

Lychnis Lipstick

Lychnis (LIK-niss)

This is a plant that clearly exceeded its ability to get named. There are many identities that this plant is masquerading under. Developed by Sunny Border Nurseries here in Connecticut this plant shows a lot of potential. The vermillion color is super and only partially represented here. The dark foliage tips add a beautiful background that is a nice compliment to the flowers.

Generally I think of Lychnis as a cooperative plant that grows well in lean soil and dry conditions. It often reproduces from seed but not in a bothersome way. This plant can be used in the cottage garden, perennial border and in tough rocky areas.

Here is another one from my non-flower photography tries. It is a conversion from a color shot because the D70s does not have a monochrome setting. It is a box car on the Housatonic Railway.

White Lychnis

Lychnis

Silene coronaria 'Alba'

(sy-LEE-nee) (kor-oh-NAR-ee-uh)

Synonyms: Rose Campion, Lychnis coronaria

We finally got around to harvesting the last seed from the Lychnis, Primula and Foxglove and though it was little late we still scored a big bag of seed. Over the years I have learned a lot about seed production and harvesting. Since all these plants and flowers are biennial it is important not to remove too much of the seed or the original planting areas will suffer. One little thing I have learned is there are quite a few insects that seem to make living on perennial seeds. Several times on Friday I broke open seedpods only to have some sort of insect pop put with the seed. You probably would have been laughing at the startled reaction and quick shake of the hands when that happens.

This flower has been a joy to have in the garden. It is self-seeding but stays in its place for the most part. This one is from a patch of almost pure white ones, which I haven’t seen too often. Some of the plants in that area sometimes produces flowers with the slightest of blush pink on them and the others are white. There is a nice color range of pink and white through the other plantings. They have colonized some rocky and dry ground and not much would grow there otherwise.

Maltese Cross

Maltese Cross

Silene chalcedonica

(sy-LEE-nee) (kalk-ee-DON-ee-kuh)

Synonyms: Lychnis chalcedonica, Jerusalem Cross

Wordless Wednesday