Silene flos-cuculi (syn. Lychnis flos-cuculi), commonly called ragged-robin, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Caryophyllaceae. This species is native to Europe and Asia, where it is found along roads and in wet meadows and pastures. In Britain it has declined in numbers because of modern farming techniques and draining of wet-lands and is no longer common. However, it has become naturalized in parts of the northern United States and eastern Canada.
Ragged-robin has strong disease resistance and is usually not prone to illnesses. Still, it can be vulnerable to pests and diseases present in its environment. Such infections are generally mild. Regarding care, this plant needs moderate maintenance. It should be trimmed regularly to preserve a neat appearance and healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also encourage flowering. Ragged-robin is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or patio, and does not demand much care experience. It may need more attention when cultivated indoors.
How to keep Lychnis Flos Cuculi.
Light
The ragged-robin does best when exposed to abundant light, using it effectively to encourage healthy growth. In its early growth stages, adequate light promotes vigorous development. It originates from habitats with high light levels but can also cope in locations with moderate illumination. Excessively strong or insufficient light can affect its health.
Temperature
Ragged-robin is native to habitats where temperatures typically range from 41 to 89.6 °F (5 to 32 ℃). The plant favors this moderate temperature span. Seasonal adjustments may be necessary to maintain optimal growing conditions.
Fertilizer
For Ragged‑robin, the primary time to apply fertilizer is in early spring, as the flowers begin to form. The appropriate fertilizer promotes stronger blooms and helps Ragged‑robin produce attractive flowers. Fertilizing at that early spring stage helps ensure good flowering throughout the season and supplies energy for dormant growth phases.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Lychnis
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 4-8
- Mature Height
- 76 cm
- Mature Spread
- 76 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Color
- Pink, White, Red
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late spring, Early summer
- Planting Time
- Winter
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer
- Native Area
- Turkey, Austria, Sweden, Slovakia, Montenegro, Croatia, Slovenia, Belarus, Russia, Germany, Iceland, Estonia, Romania, Latvia, Belgium, Netherlands, France, Portugal, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Poland, Greece, Ukraine, Serbia, Lithuania, Norway, Italy, Kazakhstan, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, United Kingdom, Hungary
Other names.
