Ragged Robin Wildflower Seed

Despite the Ragged Robin Wildflower Seed specific botanical name, which means 'flower of the cuckoo', it generally flowers later than April, when cuckoos are commonly heard in much of northern Europe. In the sixteenth century, according to Gerard, it was known as Crowflower. Stems of Ragged-Robin are probably the 'Crowflowers' that feature with 'Nettles, Daisies, and Long Purples' in the fantastic garlands worn by the deranged Ophelia in Shakespeare's Hamlet. Other country names include Drunkards, Indian Pink and Shaggy Jacks.

Latin Name

• Lychnis flos-cuculi

Life Cycle

• Perennial

Flowering Time

• May to June

Ragged-Robin Wildflower Seed Max Flowering Height

• 70cm

Ragged-Robin Wildflower Seed Approx Sowing Rate

• 1kg/Acre

Wildflower Site Preparation

The site should be weed free. Annual weeds should be controlled by mechanical means or by the use of contact based herbicide. Perennial weeds, for example docks thistle, nettles and couch grass can be dealt with using a translocated herbicide such as Round-Up. Cultivate to achieve a fine seed bed, sow seed mix and then roll to ensure firmness. The best results are obtained when there is good contact between the soil and the seeds.

Sowing Times

Sowing can best be achieved by mixing the seed with dry sand, dry sifted topsoil or sawdust and evenly broadcast. It is important that the seed is in contact with moisture in the soil so the seedbed should be lightly raked and then rolled.