Another Calgary garden

Lychnis viscaria German catchfly

Lychnis viscaria German catchfly June 6, 2018

This easy-to-grow, Zone 3, old-fashioned perennial blooms from the middle of June and reaches its peak towards the end of June. Its cluster flowers on tall flower stalks, are a deep pink tall flower stalks and the foliage, which forms a grass-like mound, remains green late in the fall and appears again in early spring. It can be used for xeriscaping – once it is established, it is drought tolerant, does not need a lot of watering but does not like to dry out completely. It can grow in relatively dry areas but does better with enough moisture. This sturdy cottage garden plant, which is native to Europe, will grow in a container or in mass plantings, in a scree, alpine, or rock garden, and along the garden border. Ornamental grasses, Stachys byzantina Lamb’s-Ear, and other delicate flowers like the Campanula cochlearifolio Fairy Thimble Bellflower, and the Dianthus Red Border Pinks, make good companions. It is excellent for cutting. Other good cutting flowers that bloom at the same time include Mrs. Andrist Iris, roses, and catmint. It is a compact plant that can grow to about 24″ and spread to about 12″. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It is a good choice for a naturalizing or woodland garden.

If faded flowers are deadheaded, it will flower longer.

In 2006 it was named as Heritage Perennials® Top 10 Perennial.

In early spring, clumps may be easily divided. It can live for at least five years.

Its name comes from its sticky stems.