How big does Sticky catchfly grow?

About 40 cm × 30 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 30–50 cm × 25–45 cm.

What soil does Sticky catchfly grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, acidic.

Is Sticky catchfly hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How much water does Sticky catchfly need?

Water need: low. Drought tolerance: high.

Sticky catchfly

Lychnis viscaria

Sticky catchfly (Lychnis viscaria) is a perennial that reaches 40 cm × 30 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: high.

Illustration of Sticky catchfly — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A native wildflower that sends up spikes of vivid magenta-pink flowers in May and June from tufts of grass-like leaves; the stems are sticky below the flowers, hence the name. It belongs in poor, dry, lime-free to neutral soil in sun: rock gardens, gravel beds and flowery meadows. Gardens mostly grow its double and brighter forms ('Plena', 'Splendens', 'Feuer'). It lives only a few years but self-seeds where it is happy.

Watch out for

It is short-lived, usually lasting 3 to 4 years, so let it self-seed or replace it every few years. It rots in heavy, wet soil; sharp drainage is essential. On the limy soils common in Central Europe it grows less well, because it avoids lime. Slugs and snails may chew it.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Low
Care: Low
Size after 10 years: 40 cm × 30 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Semi-evergreen
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D May–July, pink

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	40 cm × 30 cm
Ultimate size	30–50 cm × 25–45 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Acidic
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Flowering	May–July, pink
Water need	Low
Drought tolerance	High
Maintenance	Low
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	25 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	no data

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Drought-tolerant plants Drought-tolerant perennials Drought-tolerant plants for sandy soil Perennials for pollinators Low-maintenance perennials Rock garden plants

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