Mallow Pink, Dusty Miller
lychnis coronaria
Also known as: ["Malope coronaria","Silene coronaria"]
Overview
A hardy perennial with silvery-gray foliage and vibrant pink flowers, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","drought tolerant","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Genus: | Lychnis |
| Botanical Name: | Lychnis coronaria |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden border or cottage garden setting
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–30 to 30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Deadhead regularly during flowering; cut back hard in late fall or early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; can be cut back by one-third to encourage bushier growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but blooms best in direct sunlight.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually if moving from shade to sun; protect from intense midday heat in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat; avoid deep shade for best flowering.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-drained, moderately fertile soil
pH: Slightly alkaline to neutral (pH 6.5–7.5).
Avoid heavy clay soils; amend with grit if drainage is poor; mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 3–7; tolerates cold winters; prefers moderate temperatures (60–75°F) during active growth.
Mulch in winter; water early in day; avoid sudden temperature shifts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid lush foliage at expense of flowers; stop fertilizing when buds form to encourage blooming.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Early spring or late summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (65–75°F), humid environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining mix.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead by snapping off faded flowers; use clean shears for larger cuts.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; cut back leggy growth to maintain shape.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, clean cloth for sterilizing tools.
Checklist
Remove dead or diseased growth; deadhead regularly; cut back after flowering if needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Move to a pot one size larger (2–3 inches wider in diameter).
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; repot in fresh, well-draining soil; ensure pot has drainage holes.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; avoid waterlogging by ensuring proper drainage.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting in extreme heat; stunted growth in cold; leaf drop during sudden temperature changes.
Cold Stress
Leaves may turn yellow or brown; growth slows or halts; may die back in severe cold if not mulched.
Solution: Apply a thick layer of mulch in fall; avoid overwatering in winter; protect from harsh winds.
Hot Stress
Flowers may fade quickly; leaves may scorch or wilt; growth may slow.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; water deeply in morning; use reflective mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest Lychnis coronaria. The plant's saponins are not highly toxic but can cause mild discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume parts of Lychnis coronaria. The saponins present are not highly toxic but can cause discomfort in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLychnis coronaria contains saponins which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in significant quantities. The plant is generally considered low-risk for humans due to its unpalatability and low concentration of toxic compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Lychnis coronaria attract pollinators?
A: Yes, it is highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How often should I water Lychnis coronaria?
A: Water sparingly; it is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil.
Q: Can Lychnis coronaria be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers but requires adequate drainage and full sun.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Caryophyllaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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