Rose Campion Seeds 2024

Gardeners Cottage Blakeney Rose Campion Mixed (Lychnis coronaria)

Rose Campion is relatively very easy to grow from seeds , and once you have it established in your garden will reward you for many years as they self-seed abundantly.

• A native short-lived perennial that grows in Blakeney and our mid Norfolk Garden
• Traditional cottage garden flower
• Other common names include Dusty Miller, mullein-pink and bloody William
• Self-seeds abundantly when established
• Single open flowers that are bee-friendly 
• Mixed white and Cerise seeds
• Cottage garden favourite
• Silvery green felt-covered leaves in tidy clumps
• Very easy to grow, and can be sown directly by scattering them on the surface where you want them to germinate. 
• Seed sown in autumn may over-winter and germinate the following spring
• Sow March to May

We have been growing Rose Campion for years, or more accurately Rose Campion has been self-seeding and growing in our gardens for years! It's easy to cultivate, disease resistant, and doesn't get eaten by the wildlife that we spotted so it makes an ideal addition to any cottage garden

Rose Campion Seed Pack Sizes

Rose Campion seeds are tiny and our standard pack contains 1/8tsp by volume which contains between 150 - 200 seeds

We also offer a larger 1/4tsp by volume pack which will give you between 300 - 400 seeds

All the seed packs will contain a mixture from white and cerise red plants.

What is Rose Campion?

Rose campion (Silene coronaria, formerly known as Lychnis coronaria) is a perennial or biennial flowering plant that belongs to the Caryophyllaceae family.

Here are some key features and details about Rose Campion:

• Flowers: Rose Campion produces vibrant magenta, pink, or sometimes white flowers that are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The flowers have five petals and a slightly fringed appearance.
• Leaves: The Rose Campion plant has woolly, silver-gray leaves that form a basal rosette. The leaves are lance-shaped and give the plant a distinctive silvery look.
• Height: Rose campion plants ypically grows to a height of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm).

What growing conditions does Rose Campion require to thrive

• Sunlight: Rose campion thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: Rose camion prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate poor, sandy soils, making it an ideal plant for cottage gardens, gravel gardens, new build gardens and seaside gardens.
• Watering: The plant is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and does not require frequent watering.

When does Rose Campion flower?

Rose campion usually blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a bright and very welcome splash of color in the garden during this time.

Uses of Rose Campion in the garden:

• Pollinator friendly-Rose campion is bee-friendly and pollinator-friendly. The bright, vibrant flowers of rose campion attract a variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. The striking magenta, pink, or white blooms are highly visible and appealing to these insects. The flowers produce nectar, which is a valuable food source for many pollinators. Bees and butterflies are particularly drawn to the nectar-rich blooms. Rose campion typically blooms from late spring to early summer, providing a steady supply of nectar during this period. This can be particularly beneficial in a pollinator garden, ensuring that pollinators have continuous food sources throughout the season.
• Ornamental: It is commonly grown for its striking flowers and attractive foliage, making it a popular choice for borders, cottage gardens, and rock gardens.
• Cut Flowers: The flowers can be used in floral arrangements.
• Low Maintenance: Being a hardy and low-maintenance plant, rose campion can thrive in various garden settings, including those designed specifically to support pollinators. Its ability to grow in poor soils and withstand drought conditions makes it a resilient addition to any garden.

How easy is Rose Campion to grow from seeds

Growing rose campion from seeds is relatively easy and straightforward. Here are some steps and tips to help you successfully grow rose campion from seeds:

Steps to Grow Rose Campion from Seeds

Seed collection and preparation: If you already have rose campion plants, you can collect seeds from the spent flowers after they have dried. Otherwise, you can purchase seeds from a reputable seed supplier. Clean and dry the seeds thoroughly before storing them in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant.

Direct Sowing Outdoors (the easiest method and our preferred method):

• Timing: We find we get the best results from sowing the Rose Campion seeds directly in the garden in early spring or late summer and autumn.
• Preparation: Prepare the soil by removing weeds and loosening it.
• Sowing: Scatter the seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them into the soil.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.

Sowing Seeds Indoors (Optional):

• Timing: Start seeds indoors in the spring 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. 
• Containers: Use seed trays or small pots filled with a seed-starting mix.
• Sowing: Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the soil and lightly press them down, but do not cover them with soil, as rose campion seeds need light to germinate.
• Watering: Moisten the soil gently with a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the seeds.
• Light: Place the trays in a location with bright, indirect light or under grow lights.
• Temperature: Maintain a temperature of around 65-70°F (18-21°C)

Once the seedlings have developed a couple of sets of true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.

How long do Rose Campion seeds take to germinate?

Seeds should germinate in 10-21 days. Keep the soil consistently moist during this period but not waterlogged.

Transplanting seedlings:

Once the seedlings have developed a couple of sets of true leaves you can move the seedlings around the garden, spacing them about 12-18 inches apart in well-drained soil and a sunny or partially shaded location.