Ragged-robin
Silene flos-cuculi
Also listed as Coronaria flos-cuculi, Lychnis flos-cuculi
Also known as Cuckooflower, Crow-flower, Meadow Campion
Climate Match for your location
See how well Ragged-robin grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A cottage garden favorite with distinctive fringed pink or magenta flowers held above narrow foliage. Thrives in moist conditions and attracts pollinators throughout the summer.
Why grow it
Ragged-robin offers a distinctive aesthetic compared to other moisture-loving cottage garden perennials, with its characteristic fringed petals setting it apart from the simpler flower forms of similar species like lychnis or phlox. It performs reliably in consistently moist to wet soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for rain gardens or low-lying areas. The extended blooming period and demonstrated pollinator value make it a functional choice for gardens designed to support beneficial insects.
Watch out for
This plant tends to self-seed readily in favorable conditions, which can lead to volunteer seedlings requiring management in smaller or more manicured gardens. In very warm climates, it may decline during prolonged summer heat and drought, even if initially established, so consistent moisture is important for longevity beyond its first season.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native Range
European
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A cottage garden favorite with distinctive fringed pink or magenta flowers held above narrow foliage. Thrives in moist conditions and attracts pollinators throughout the summer.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Ragged-robin grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Ragged-robin offers a distinctive aesthetic compared to other moisture-loving cottage garden perennials, with its characteristic fringed petals setting it apart from the simpler flower forms of similar species like lychnis or phlox. It performs reliably in consistently moist to wet soils where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for rain gardens or low-lying areas. The extended blooming period and demonstrated pollinator value make it a functional choice for gardens designed to support beneficial insects.
Watch out for
This plant tends to self-seed readily in favorable conditions, which can lead to volunteer seedlings requiring management in smaller or more manicured gardens. In very warm climates, it may decline during prolonged summer heat and drought, even if initially established, so consistent moisture is important for longevity beyond its first season.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caryophyllaceae
Native Range
European
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.