Viscaria vulgaris aka Clammy Campion

Viscaria vulgaris also goes by the name sticky catchfly. It is a herbaceous perennial: a non-woody plant that lives for years. It belongs to the pink family, Caryophyllaceae. Its native range runs from Europe to southwestern Siberia and the northern Caucasus. The RHS also lists Britain and Ireland as native lands. Older names include Lychnis viscaria, Silene viscaria, and Viscaria viscosa. Plant lists and garden guides may use these names.

This plant grows in low mats, clumps, or tufts. Its leafy stems reach about 1.5 feet [0.45 metres] high. The RHS gives a top garden height of 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. It gives the same limit for spread. Plants take two to five years to reach full size. The stems feel sticky and bear narrow, dark green leaves. The leaves are deciduous, so they do not stay green year-round. Groups of flowers rise above the leaves. Their shades range from purplish-pink to reddish-purple. Each bloom spans about 0.07 feet [0.02 metres]. Missouri Botanical Garden lists blooms from May to June. The RHS gives early and mid-summer as the bloom time.

Choose full sun, though the RHS also allows part shade. The sources differ a bit on how damp soil should be. The RHS calls for rich, moist soil that drains well. Missouri Botanical Garden gives dry to medium moisture levels. It also notes that the plant can cope with drought. Both sources support sites where water drains away. The RHS lists clay and loam as suitable soils. The plant accepts acid, neutral, and alkaline soils. It can grow in open sites or those with shelter. The RHS gives it a hardiness rating of H5. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 3–8.

The plant suits rock gardens and dry parts of borders. It also fits cottage gardens, coastal plots, and courtyard beds. The RHS lists uses in wildflower meadows and wildlife gardens. Low growth and bright blooms add colour to borders in season. Missouri Botanical Garden says it needs little care. Remove dead blooms to help it flower for longer. Cut the stems down in autumn. In early spring, split plants or take basal cuttings. These cuttings come from the base of the plant.

Neither garden source reports major problems with disease. Slugs can harm plants, and snails may cause trouble too. The RHS also lists aphids as pests to watch for. The supplied evidence does not show whether any parts are edible. Nor does it establish whether the plant is toxic.