Description

A true “champion” of the garden, rose campion is a drought resistant and deer resistant perennial flower, able to tolerate poor soils and hot dry summers. Rose campion starts as a low growing plant with felt gray green leaves. In the summer, glowing magenta pink flowers blossom atop thin silvery stems. This is the perfect plant for dry gardens, meadows, cottage gardens, and border beds. Rose campion is fast growing and spreads quickly by dropping seeds, forming a drift of brilliant pink flowers wherever it is planted. It’s a true standout!

Our rose campion literally volunteered itself in our orchard. I’m not sure where the seeds came from because we didn’t have any rose campion before. One day it showed up and of course I welcomed its presence and encouraged it to spread by saving the seeds.

Magenta is the most common color, but you can also find white, light pink, and bicolor rose campion varieties. There are also double petal varieties that look just like miniature roses.

Details

Lifecycle: Perennial
Lifespan: 2 – 3 years
Hardiness zones: 4 – 8 (USDA)
Habitats: Fields, roadsides, clearings, rocky areas, meadows
Plant size: 2.5 ft tall x 1 ft wide
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Well-drained, poor soil
Water: Moderate to low

Seed Starting

Direct sow in the early spring. Gently press into soil. Do not cover seeds.  Rose campion seeds benefit from 2-4 weeks moist cold stratification for better germination.

Cultivation

Rose campion is a short-lived perennial that requires very little maintenance. A part from occasional watering during the hottest summer months, no amendment is needed. In fact, they thrive in poor soil conditions. A light application of mulch would help with water retention but isn’t necessary as their woolly leaves do this already. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms throughout the summer.

Propagation

Rose campion propagates by seed and self sows readily. Leave dry seed pods in place to encourage new volunteers. Collect seeds to sow in new areas.

Seed Saving

Seeds can be collected in August/September when the pods are completely dry. Cut the pods off and thresh by crushing them open with your fingers or collect several pods into a bucket and stomp on the pods to release the seeds. If cleaner seeds are desired, screen with a fine mesh sieve and winnow as necessary.