Cerastium candidissimum

Cerastium candidissimum (19/09/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Late spring to early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 15cm

Eventual Spread: 30cm

Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Cerastium candidissimum is an evergreen herbaceous perennial with a mounding habit. Its sliver/ grey/ green leaves are lanceolate with entire margins, up t0 2cm long and 7mm across. Its white flowers are up to 2cm across.

Cerastium candidissimum, commonly known as Silver Carpet or Greek Snow in the summer, is native to the mountains of west and south Greece. In its native habitat it grows in rock scrub lands and sub alpine meadows.

The etymological root of the binomial name Cerastium is derived from the Greek keras meaning ‘a horn’. Candidissimum is derived from the Latin candida meaning ‘bright’ or ‘pure’, in reference to the flower.

Cerastium candidissimum Leaf (19/09/2015, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Cerastium candidissimum useful as a low growing ground cover perennial. Once established this plant is drought tollerant.

Ecologically, Cerastium candidissimum flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

Cerastium candidissimum prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate wet soils.

Cerastium candidissimum requires little maintenance.



Landscape Architecture

Dianthus monspessulanus

Dianthus monspessulanus (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Late spring to summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 20cm

Eventual Spread: 60cm

Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Dianthus monspessulanus is an evergreen perennial, with a mat forming habit. Its glaucous green leaves are linear with entire margins, up to 10cm long and 3mm wide. Its fragrant pink/ white flowers are up to 3cm across.

Dianthus monspessulanus, commonly known as Fringed  Pink, is native to south and central Europe. In its native habitat it grows on arid grassland, woodlands and heathland.

The etymological root of the binomial name Dianthus is derived from the Greek dios meaning ‘heavenly’ and anthos meaning ‘flower’. Monspessulanus

The landscape architect may find Dianthus monspessulanus useful as an effective low growing, evergreen ground cover perennial. This perennial is not attractive to deer.

Dianthus monspessulanus Flower (07/06/2014, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically, Dianthus monspessulanus is attractive to nectar loving insects and birds.

Dianthus monspessulanus  prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to alkali pH of soil although it will tolerate most soils. It will not tolerate wet soils.

Dianthus monspessulanus requires little maintenance. Large/ mature clumps may be divided in spring or autumn.

Lychnis chalcedonica

Lychnis chalcedonica (27/07/13, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1m

Eventual Spread: 50cm

Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Lychnis chalcedonica is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with an upright habit. Its mid green leaves are ovate to lanceolate with entire margins, up to 12cm long and 5cm broad. Its red/ orange flowers are up to 3cm across, appear in clusters as domed heads and are up to 12cm across. Its fruit is a dry capsule. Its roots are short rhizomes.

Lychnis chalcedonica Flower (27/07/13, Kew Gardens, London)

Lychnis chalcedonica, commonly known as Rose Campion, Burning Love, Cross of Jerusalem, Meadow Campion, Red Robin or Scarlet Lychnis, is native to east Russia, Mongolia and north west China. This plant may be invasive if allowed to set seed.

The etymological root of the binomial name Lychnis is derived from the Greek lychnos meaning ‘a lamp’, in reference to its historic use as a lamp wick. Chalcedonica is named after the ancient Turkish town Chalcedon.

The landscape architect may find Lychnis chalcedonica useful as part of a herbaceous planting scheme. This perennial is not attractive to rabbits or deer.

Ecologically, Lychnis chalcedonica flowers are attractive to nectar loving insects.

The Royal Horticultural Society has given Lychnis chalcedonica their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.

Lychnis chalcedonica Leaf (27/07/13, Kew Gardens, London)

Lychnis chalcedonica prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. This plant dislikes dry soils.

Lychnis chalcedonica requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in early spring.