Lychnis Viscaria Flore-pleno
German Catchfly; Nat. Ord. Silenaceæ.
The double form of the red German Catchfly. The old Latin name for the type was L. Angustifolia, which is still used sometimes, being a good descriptive name. So much cannot be said of the common name; at any rate, it sounds odd that one of our native plants should be called the “German Catchfly,” as name is evidently used in the geographical sense. There are several forms of this species having double flowers, which may be termed florists’ or garden varieties; all are handsome and effective flowering plants, and last a long time in good form. A very short description will suffice for these, the flowers of which in many respects resemble pinks; they are, however, borne on stout stems in long heads, the petals being full, divided, and bent, each flower an inch across. The rose-coloured varieties are bright and attractive; the leaves are in tufts 3in. or 4in. long, narrow and reflexed. These double Catchflies are very showy in either borders or rockwork; they rank with our neatest subjects and brightest flowers, and certainly ought to be widely grown.
They enjoy a stiff soil, but are in no way particular; they should, however, have a sunny situation. They may be increased by root divisions in summer or early spring.
Flowering period, June to August.