Clusters of vivid scarlet flowers on tall stems Ideal for damp soils Pollinator-friendly Good cut flower You can’t miss Lychnis chalcedonica in summer with its domes of glowing scarlet flowers on tall, stiff stems, adding vibrant colour to borders. This pollinator-friendly perennial is ideal for damp soils and pondside planting. Regular deadheading will keep it flowering all through summer. It also makes a striking cut flower in arrangements. Lychnis chalcedonica holds the RHS Recommended: Award of Garden Merit. Sow indoors Level fill a module tray with seed compost firming with the base of another tray. Water well with a fine rose. Sow seeds individually over the surface and gently press down. Place in a propagator at 20-25°C or cover tray with cling film and leave in a warm room. Don't exclude light, and allow 2-3 weeks for germination. Grow on When shoots appear, remove cling film or ventilate propagator. Keep seedlings in a light position, but shade from direct sunlight. Grow on in a minimum temperature of 10°C. Harden off/plant out Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out when risk of frost has passed. Allow 30cm between plants. Water well until established. Suitable for sun or part-shade in damp soils. Aftercare Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and prevent unwanted self-seeding. In autumn, cut back to just above ground level.
