Lychnis coronaria 'Alba' – Elegant White Blooms for a Timeless Garden Display

Add a touch of luminous beauty to your garden with Lychnis coronaria 'Alba', also known as White Rose Campion. This stunning perennial is prized for its velvety silver-gray foliage and pure white, satin-like flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. A classic favorite for cottage gardens, borders, and wildflower meadows, this drought-tolerant plant is both low-maintenance and visually striking.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Lychnis coronaria 'Alba'
• Plant Type: Short-lived perennial or biennial
• Flower Color: Pure white
• Foliage: Silvery-gray, velvety leaves
• Mature Height: 18 to 30 inches
• Spread: 12 to 18 inches
• Growth Habit: Clumping, upright
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained, moderately fertile to poor soil
• Watering Needs: Low; drought-tolerant once established
• Blooming Season: Late spring to summer
• Uses: Cottage gardens, borders, wildflower meadows, pollinator-friendly plantings, cut flowers

Why Grow Lychnis coronaria 'Alba'?

• Elegant & Timeless – Pure white flowers contrast beautifully against silver foliage.
• Drought-Tolerant – Thrives in dry, well-drained conditions with minimal watering.
• Pollinator-Friendly – Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
• Low Maintenance – Easy to grow, requiring little care once established.
• Self-Seeding – Reseeds naturally, providing blooms for years to come.

How to Grow Lychnis coronaria 'Alba' from Seeds

Seed Sowing Instructions

• Best Time to Sow: Early spring to late summer
• Sowing Method:
  • Start seeds indoors in trays or direct sow in the garden after the last frost.
  • Press seeds lightly into the soil; do not cover, as they require light for germination.
• Germination Conditions:
  • Soil Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
  • Germination Time: 14-30 days

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; drought-tolerant once mature.
• Fertilization: Not necessary; thrives in lean soil.
• Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering and prevent excessive self-seeding.
• Winter Care: Hardy in most climates; may benefit from light mulch in colder regions.
• Pest & Disease Resistance: Resistant to most pests and diseases; deer-resistant.

Companion Planting Suggestions

• Complements Lavender, Salvia, and Echinacea for a striking color contrast.
• Pairs well with Grasses and Perovskia (Russian Sage) in naturalistic plantings.
• Looks stunning alongside Foxgloves, Roses, and Delphiniums in cottage gardens.

Brighten Your Garden with the Graceful Beauty of Lychnis coronaria 'Alba'

With its delicate yet bold white blooms and silvery foliage, Lychnis coronaria 'Alba' is an excellent choice for adding elegance and contrast to any garden. Whether in a mixed border, wildflower meadow, or container display, this resilient and easy-to-grow plant will bring timeless charm to your outdoor space