perennial

Arctic Campion

Lychnis alpina

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Arctic Campion (Lychnis alpina) at Art Knapp Plantland

Arctic Campion flowers

Arctic Campion flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Plant Height:  4 inches

Flower Height:  6 inches

Spacing:  6 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  1

Description:

Native to the Arctic regions of North America and Europe, this small grassy-like tufted-mound perennial produces sweet little ball-like clusters of rosy-pink blooms; the miniature form makes this plant a spectacular addition for any rock or scree garden

Ornamental Features

Arctic Campion has masses of beautiful clusters of rose flowers at the ends of the stems from late spring to early summer, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its pointy leaves remain dark green in colour throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Arctic Campion is an herbaceous perennial with tall flower stalks held atop a low mound of foliage. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Arctic Campion is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • Border Edging
  • General Garden Use
  • Naturalizing And Woodland Gardens
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Arctic Campion will grow to be only 4 inches tall at maturity extending to 6 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 8 inches. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 6 inches apart. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 5 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America.

Arctic Campion is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Rock  Edging  Garden  Naturalizing  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features