The Story
Plant Bio
A short-lived perennial or biennial, Silene coronaria (formerly Lychnis coronata) is prized for its woolly, silver-grey foliage and stems that provide a striking contrast to its long-blooming, vivid flowers.
This cultivar is known for its unique sherbet-like flower color, which stands out in gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Low to Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Short-lived perennial or biennial
Native To
Southeastern Europe, Western Asia
Toxicity
Contains saponins; can cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Foliage may be a skin irritant.
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring for best germination.
- Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist during growing season.
- Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
- Prune dead or damaged stems after flowering to encourage bushiness.
- Divide clumps every 2-3 years in early spring or fall to rejuvenate.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun with well-drained, slightly sandy soil for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 🌱
- Prune after flowering to promote new growth
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not fertilize late in the season ❌
- Don't plant in heavy clay soil without amendment ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Orange Sherbet Campion questions
What zones can Orange Sherbet Campion grow in?
Orange Sherbet Campion is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Orange Sherbet Campion deer resistant?
Yes — Orange Sherbet Campion is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Orange Sherbet Campion bloom?
Orange Sherbet Campion typically blooms in late spring, summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Orange Sherbet Campion need full sun?
Orange Sherbet Campion does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Orange Sherbet Campion drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Orange Sherbet Campion handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Lychnis to compare
Rose Campion
Lychnis atrosanguinea
Maltese Cross
Lychnis chalcedonica
Petite Jenny Ragged Robin
Lychnis flos-cuculi 'Petite Jenny'
Lychnis x arkwrightii Orange Zwerg
Lychnis x arkwrightii 'Orange Zwerg'
Cuckoo Flower
Lychnis flos-cuculi 'Petite Henri'
Siebold's Campion
Lychnis sieboldii
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Orange Sherbet Campion with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.