Origin
Lychnis drummondii (Hook.) S. Wats. var. heterochroma Boivin, commonly known as Drummond's campion or evening lychnis, is a native plant to North America. It is found in central and western regions of the United States and in Canada's prairie provinces, including Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
Common Names
Drummond's campion is commonly known as evening lychnis, Drummond's catchfly, and Drummond's lightning.
Uses
The plant is found growing in dry, rocky, or sandy soils in open meadows, prairies, and scrublands. It is a seasonal plant that produces white and pink flowers that bloom throughout the summer and fall seasons. The plant's leaves and roots have been used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes for the treatment of various ailments, including stomach and respiratory disorders.
Drummond's campion has also been used for ornamental purposes in gardens and landscapes. The plant attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making it a great addition to any pollinator garden.
General Appearance
Drummond's campion is a herbaceous, perennial plant that grows up to 60 centimeters tall. The plant has a woody base and produces multiple stems that are hairy and erect. Its leaves are lanceolate or ovate, and grow up to 10 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide. The flowers produced by the plant are five-petaled and range in color from white to pink, measuring up to 2 centimeters in diameter. The petals have a deep cleft in the tip, giving them a unique appearance. The flowers bloom between June and September, attracting pollinators to the garden.
Light requirements
Lychnis drummondii var. heterochroma thrives in full to partial sunlight, receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It may develop leggy stems and produce less vibrant, smaller flowers in shady areas. For optimum growth and flowering, this plant needs abundant and consistent sunlight.
Temperature requirements
This plant is adapted to hot and dry conditions and can tolerate high temperatures of up to 100°F during the day. However, it will not survive in freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature range for Lychnis drummondii var. heterochroma is 60°F to 80°F.
Soil requirements
The plant prefers well-draining, sandy or loamy soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0). It can tolerate slightly alkaline soils but not heavy clay soils, as they can cause waterlogging that can lead to root rot. Adding organic matter like compost or peat moss improves soil fertility, drainage, and water retention.
Cultivation methods for Lychnis drummondii (Hook.) S. Wats. var. heterochroma Boivin
Lychnis drummondii (Hook.) S. Wats. var. heterochroma Boivin is a beautiful and hardy plant that is quite easy to cultivate. The plant grows well in full sun or partial shade, and in well-drained soil. It can thrive in a wide range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, as long as the soil is not waterlogged.
Watering Needs for Lychnis drummondii (Hook.) S. Wats. var. heterochroma Boivin
Lychnis drummondii (Hook.) S. Wats. var. heterochroma Boivin requires moderate watering. While it is a drought-tolerant plant, it still needs regular watering to encourage growth and keep the leaves looking lush and green. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, especially during dry spells.
Fertilization of Lychnis drummondii (Hook.) S. Wats. var. heterochroma Boivin
Lychnis drummondii (Hook.) S. Wats. var. heterochroma Boivin does not require a lot of fertilizer. In fact, too much fertilizer can cause the plant to produce weak growth or even lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering. Fertilize the plant in spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer and then again in mid-summer with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage flowering.
Pruning of Lychnis drummondii (Hook.) S. Wats. var. heterochroma Boivin
Lychnis drummondii (Hook.) S. Wats. var. heterochroma Boivin does not need much pruning. Remove dead or damaged leaves and stems as soon as you see them to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking tidy. Cut back flowering stems after blooming to encourage the plant to produce more flowers. You can also cut back the entire plant in late fall or early spring to promote new growth.
Propagation methods for Lychnis drummondii (Hook.) S. Wats. var. heterochroma Boivin
Lychnis drummondii (Hook.) S. Wats. var. heterochroma Boivin, commonly known as Drummond’s catchfly, is a flowering plant native to North America. The plant is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family and bears a bright pink or magenta-colored flower. It is a popular choice for gardens and landscapes due to its attractive appearance and ease of cultivation.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Lychnis drummondii var. heterochroma is through seeds. The seeds of the plant are small and can be sown directly in the ground or in containers. The best time for sowing seeds is in the spring after the last frost. The seeds should be sown on well-prepared soil and covered lightly with soil or sand. Water the soil regularly to keep it moist, but not waterlogged.
The seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 2-3 inches, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden or landscape. When transplanting, be sure to space the seedlings at least 6-8 inches apart.
Division propagation
Limited information is available on the potential for Lychnis drummondii var. heterochroma to be propagated through division. However, based on information from other Lychnis plants, it is possible that this method could be successful. Division propagation involves separating the root ball of an established plant into multiple sections, each of which can be planted as a new individual plant.
This method is typically done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. The plant should be carefully dug up and the root ball divided into sections. Each section should have several shoots and a well-developed root system. The sections can then be planted in their permanent location in the garden or landscape and watered regularly until they become established.
Overall, Lychnis drummondii var. heterochroma is an easy-to-propagate plant that can be grown in a wide range of soil and light conditions. Whether grown from seeds or divided sections of an established plant, this vibrant flowering plant is sure to add color and beauty to any garden or landscape.
Disease Management
Lychnis drummondii is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, some diseases can still affect it. Here are the common diseases that might infect your Lychnis drummondii and ways to manage them:
Crown and Stem Rot
Crown and stem rot is a fungal disease that affects the base of the plant. The disease causes the plant to wilt and eventually rot. To prevent crown and stem rot, avoid watering the plants too frequently or too heavily. In case the disease is already present, remove the infected plant parts and avoid watering the plant.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stem of the plant. It can stunt the growth of the plant and even kill it. To manage powdery mildew, you can use fungicides or remove the infected parts of the plant immediately. Above all, proper air circulation is vital to prevent and manage powdery mildew.
Leaf Spots
Leaf spots are caused by a fungal disease that creates brown spots on the leaves. Such spots can merge together, causing the leaves to die eventually. Make sure that the infected plant parts are removed immediately, and apply a fungicide. Avoid watering the plant from the top or splashing water on the leaves as this can spread the disease.
Pest Management
Lychnis drummondii is relatively pest-free. However, there are some pests that might affect your plants, including:
Aphids
Aphids are common sap-sucking insects that damage the leaves of the plant and stunt its growth. You can utilize insecticidal soap to control aphids, or use the natural method and introduce insect predators that feed on aphids, like ladybugs or lacewings.
Snails and Slugs
Snails and slugs can cause significant damage to young plants as they chew through leaves and stems. You can use bait or traps to manage the pests, and ensure adequate drainage to reduce their hiding spots to prevent their infestation. Handpicking and removal of the affected plants will also help to mitigate this pest.
Cutworms
Cutworms are larvae that cut down plants at soil level, often causing significant damage to young plants. One way of controlling cutworms is to place a barrier made of cardboard or special plastic collar around the plant. You can also cultivate the soil and use insecticides that contain Bacillus thuringiensis.
Managing diseases and pests is crucial in ensuring that your Lychnis drummondii thrives healthily. By identifying the disease or pest that affects your plant and responding immediately, you can effectively prevent further damage to the plant and prolong its lifespan.
