Species catchfly
shocking pink-red flowers with white centers, green leaves, and  gray-green stems

catchfly

Silene Coronaria

Catchfly (Lychnis coronaria) is a beautiful flowering plant with a unique look. The stems are tall yet wiry, and each stem is topped with a cluster of petite, magenta-pink flowers. There are green, saw-toothed leaves along the stem, and the tissue between the veins of the leaves is sticky. This stickiness is how the catchfly got its name, as it’s said to “catch” small insects in its sap. Plain in appearance yet stunning in flower, catchfly is an ideal attraction for gardens and outdoor spaces.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Rose magenta Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Catchfly (Lychnis coronaria) should be watered well once a week, or twice a week in dry periods or in particularly hot climates. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy, so ensure water has drained off properly after applying it. During the summer, water generously, soaking the soil thoroughly, but reduce watering in the winter. If planted in the ground, mulching will help retain soil moisture. Watering plants in the evening or night is not recommended as it can promote fungal diseases.

sunlight

Catchfly (Lychnis coronaria) grows best in full sun and requires direct, unfiltered light for at least 8 hours per day. The best time for this plant species to receive the most sunlight is from 10 am until 6 pm. It can handle a bit of shade during the hottest parts of the day (between 2 pm and 4 pm) but shouldn’t be left to receive no direct sunlight during the other hours of the day. While not necessary, catchfly can also benefit from a bit of morning light in order to get a jump start on the day.

pruning

Catchfly (Lychnis coronaria) should be pruned in the late spring or early summer, after flowering has finished. Prune by cutting back old stalks to the basal rosette of leaves to promote healthy new growth. Bigger pruning may be needed annually, such as removal of any dead or damaged stems which will help reduce the risk of disease and encourage a flush of new growth. In the second year after planting, the catchfly can be cutback to half its size after flowering.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Lychnis coronaria typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map