About Arkwright
Lychnis Vesuvius is an uncommon perennial that brings an exotic touch to your garden by captivating onlookers with its clusters of red flowers and opulent purple-bronze foliage. Named after the Italian volcano that decimated Pompeii, it is a complex hybrid of several lychnis species, featuring deeply notched bright orange-red petals. This striking plant blooms in early summer and can rebloom with regular deadheading. With a height of one and a half feet and a width of one foot, it’s a great choice for garden edges, containers, and it is known to attract butterflies and bees.
When to Plant Arkwright Seeds
If starting indoors, begin planting eight to ten weeks before the last expected frost. If direct sowing outdoors, plant anytime in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Where to Plant Arkwright Seeds
Choose a full sun location, partial shade in the afternoon is tolerated as well. The soil should be mildly acidic to neutral.
How to Plant Arkwright Seeds
To begin indoors, surface sow seeds and press them in lightly, as they require light to germinate. Maintain a temperature range of 60°F to 70°F and seeds will typically sprout in 7 to 21 days. Use well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral starting soil. Keep the soil moist until germination. After completing the hardening off process, it is best to transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last frost has passed. Leave about one foot of space between plants. To encourage branching and profuse blooming, pinch the plant back when setting it out.
For direct sowing outdoors, make sure there is no threat of frost and begin surface sowing in your garden from spring to summer. Mix about an inch of compost into the soil at the time of planting, and top-dress every spring with a thin layer. This plant requires medium water use, approximately one inch of water per week to keep the soil evenly moist.
How to Care for Arkwright
Water deeply throughout the growing season. Lychnis Vesuvius produces clusters of flowers with deeply notched petals. It is known to bloom in early summer and can rebloom if you regularly deadhead. If desired, allow a few to self-sow as it’s an easy way to increase your holdings.
This plant doesn’t have any major diseases or pests, making it a relatively low-maintenance addition to your garden.
Arkwright’s campion is a captivating plant that draws attention with its vibrant blooms and striking foliage.