A short-lived perennial it reseeds itself easily under the right conditions. What are these? Look below.
This cactus planter was situated a few feet away from where a clump of lychnis was growing. Recently I noticed some seedlings had germinated To begin with I wasn't completely sure that they were lychnis but as their seed leaves gave way to their first set of true leaves I saw those familiar fuzzy leaves. They are easily distinguished from lamb's ears seedlings by the point at the end of the leaf. They will remain in this pot until February when I will transplant them into their own 4" pots and later into the garden. I always find my best crop of seedlings growing in gravel substrate!
I'm not familiar with lychnis. I find the foliage beautiful too. Your frequent freebie plants makes me long for some gravel! Funny you show gulf coast penstemon too - I was day dreaming about it today. I have a few 4" pots of it. Do you think I could go ahead and put it in the ground? Or should I wait until spring?
ReplyDeleteI have never seen Lychnis for sale in the nursery. Mine have al come from seed. I suspect the reason is many nurseries like to sell things in flower and by the time this flowered it wouldn't be long for the garden. Yes, go ahead and plant your gulf coast penstemon as long as it is not going to freeze. They are hardy.
DeleteI just love silvery foliage. And what beautiful flowers to match. Take care of those seedlings. What fun! :0) David
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of gardening is the surprise volunteers. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThe garden wouldn't be as much fun without those tiny surprises.
DeleteI love your rose campion. It is so stunningly vibrant, especially against that soft foliage. I'm getting excited my my bluebonnets and lamb's ears sprouting up everywhere. Spring will be here before we know it.
ReplyDeleteMe too. I'm getting excited about all the new opportunities.
DeleteUsed to see your campion sold at a local nursery ('95-'96), not since, and always wanted to try it...thanks for jogging my memory. Something else called "campion" is native out here, Silene lacinata. "Best crop of seedlings growing in gravel substrate" - a definite plus to my rocky soil.
ReplyDeleteNurseries here don't seem to sell it but they should. I think you need to find the seed.
DeleteI love rose campion too. If I'd had a girl, she would have been named Rose: a fine Irish name and a lovely flower.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely rainy tea day, isn't it?
Every day is a tea day!
DeleteHow pretty. Nothing like a little pleasant surprise in the garden :-)
ReplyDeleteJenny, I've wanted to grow Rose Campion but wasn't sure if I had a spot that would make it happy. You've given me a couple of ideas. Now where are those seeds I've been saving for who knows how long?
ReplyDelete