Overview
Most gardeners are familiar with rose campion (Silene (= Lychnis) coronaria) or Maltese cross (L. chacedonica), two commonly grown ornamentals in the pink family (Caryophyllaceae) from the northern temperate zone. Another garden-worthy Lynchnis is the cultivar ‘Vesuvius’ of the mixed-parentage L. x arkwrightii, which arose as a complex hybrid.
This whole group of plants was given the name Lychnis in the third century BC by Theophrastus, from the Greek lukhnis, meaning lamp, presumably because of the vivid color of the flowers. The genus Lychnis is closely related to Silene, and some species have been moved to Silene from Lychnis.
‘Vesuvius’ is hardy (zone 5a) perennial that may be short-lived in the landscape. The plant grows up to 18 inches tall, with erect stems. The flowers are a brilliant orange-red – like molten lava flowing from the volcano, Mt. Vesuvius. They are simple, with 5 deeply notched petals, but they are quite showy because they occur in heads (cymes) held well above the foliage, which maximizes their effect. The blossoms are large (1 ¼ to 2 inches across).
The flowers are clustered in small groups along the stems, and plants bloom for a few weeks in early to mid summer. The flowers are followed by interesting seed pods that turn brown when mature.
The foliage emerges a dark bronzy-maroon to purplish color, then becomes bronze-green with purplish stems that enhance the vivid flower color. The opposite pairs of ovate to lance-shaped leaves to 2 ½ inches long are covered with short, stout hairs, giving them a somewhat rough or bristly feel.
Landscape Use of Lychnis ‘Vesuvius’
Use ‘Vesuvius’ in the front or middle of the border or in the rock garden. The vividly orange flowers may be difficult to integrate into all gardens. The dark-colored foliage in early spring makes a good contrast with light-colored foliage, such as Heuchera ‘Peach Melba’ or ‘Creme Brulee’.
Grow in sun in ordinary garden soil. Plants can be pinched early in the season to induce branching for bushier plants. Deadhead frequently to encourage flowering and promote longevity. This variety does best with even moisture throughout the growing season.
Propagating Lychnis ‘Vesuvius’
‘Vesuvius’ is a seed strain. It can be propagated by division in early spring or from basal cuttings in late summer. It will self-seed in the garden, producing plants quite similar to the parent. Plants from seed sown indoors early may bloom the first year.
To start seed indoors, surface sow the small seeds and do not cover. Seedlings begin sprouting in 2 to 4 weeks. Transplant the seedlings when they are large enough to handle into 3 inch pots. Plant out in the garden in late spring or early summer, after the danger of frost has passed.
Another similar cultivar, ‘Orange Zwerg’ (sometimes listed as ‘Orange Gnome’, the English translation of its German cultivar name) is a dwarf version of ‘Vesuvius’, growing only 8 inches tall.
Author: Susan Mahr, University of Wisconsin—Madison
Reviewers: Allen R. Pyle, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, Bruce Spangenberg, Horticulture Outreach Specialist, UW—Madison Extension
Revised: October 2026
