16 Genus: Lychnis - Ornamental Plant Information from PlantsGalore.Com

Rose Campion, Maltese Cross

The genus consists of about 20 species that include both biennials and herbaceous perennials. Lychnis is Latin for "lamp" which may refer to the use of leaves as wicks in oil lamps or may apply to the bright colored flowers.
The genus resembles Silene but is distinguished by having 5 styles while Silene has 3. Also, its capsule opening has 5 teeth while those of Silene have 6.

PGC-P-Lychnis-chalcedonica-2010-10_4_1

Lychnis x arkwrlghtii
L. chalcedonica	Maltese Cross, Jerusalem Cross, Scarlet Lightning
L. coronaria	Rose Campion, Mullein Pink
L. flos-cuculi
L. flos-jovis	Flower of Jove
L. x haageana	Haage Campion
L. viscaria	German Catchfly

Species	Hgt (in)	Flower Color	Inflorescence
L. x arkwrightii	18-24	Orange-scarlet	Few
L. chalcedonica	24-36	Scarlet	Many
L. coronaria	24-36	Rose	Few
L. flos-cuculi	12-24	Deep rose	Few
L. x haageana	10-18	Orange-scarlet	Few
L viscaria	12-18	Red	Many

* Guides and Keys are from the book "Herbaceous Perennial Plants A Treatise on their Identification, Culture and Garden Attributes" by Dr Allan M. Armitage of the University of Georgia. Varsity Press, Athens, Georgia. 1989 ISBN 0-942375-00. More on Dr Armitage and his other books.