Silene flos-cuculi (L.) Greuter & Burdet
Meadow Campion
Ragged robin is a much-loved native perennial of damp ground, instantly recognisable by its tattered-looking flowers. Each pink bloom is divided into four narrow, deeply cut lobes, giving the whole flower a delicate, frayed appearance, carried on slender, branching stems above a tuft of narrow leaves.
About
Ragged robin is a much-loved native perennial of damp ground, instantly recognisable by its tattered-looking flowers. Each pink bloom is divided into four narrow, deeply cut lobes, giving the whole flower a delicate, frayed appearance, carried on slender, branching stems above a tuft of narrow leaves. It is a plant of moist places, thriving in wet meadows and pastures, marshes, fens, damp woodland edges and boggy ground, and growing happily in full sun or light shade on soils that stay reliably damp.
Flowering from late spring into summer, its nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for pollinators, especially bumblebees, hoverflies and butterflies such as orange-tips and common blues. Once common across Britain, it has declined with the drainage of wet meadows and changing farming. It is an ideal choice for bog gardens, pond and stream margins, damp borders and wet wildflower meadows, where it brings airy colour and valuable wildlife interest.
Also known as
Ragged Robin · Ragged-Robin
Synonyms
Agrostemma flos-cuculi · Agrostemma flos-cuculi albiflora · Agrostemma lusitanica · Coccyganthe flos-cuculi · Coccyganthe pratensis · Coccyganthe tragi · Coronaria flos-cuculi · Coronaria flos-cuculi eglutinosa · Floscuculi pratense
Beta — under active development. This catalogue is still being built and accuracy-checked. The information here (including plant identifications, British native status, soil and sun/shade preferences) is provided in good faith for general guidance only and may contain errors or omissions. It must not be relied upon on its own — please confirm details with us before making planting, specification, foraging or purchasing decisions, and never eat or medicinally use any plant based on this catalogue alone, as some species are toxic. To the extent permitted by law, Phoenix Amenity Supplies accepts no liability for any loss arising from use of this information.