Flower of Jove Lychnis flos-jovis

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Lychnis flos-jovis, commonly known as Flower of Jove, presents an intriguing sight with its dense tufts of greyish-green foliage that sports a velvety texture. This foliage provides a lovely backdrop for the striking flowers that emerge in clusters. The blooms are eye-catching, boasting vivid shades that can range from bright pink to a more subdued rose color, often with bursts of deeper hues at the centers, creating a stunning contrast against the softer tones of the petals. The petals themselves have a delicate, almost frilly appearance, which adds a sense of softness and intricacy to the overall aesthetic of Flower of Jove. Each flower is comprised of a set of five petals, forming a star-like shape that is both symmetrical and appealing. Moreover, Flower of Jove carries its showy blossoms atop slender, elegant stems that rise above the basal foliage, giving the impression of a colorful, floating floral canopy. The plant exudes a quaint, old-world charm, which makes it a favorite among gardeners looking to infuse their gardens with a touch of romantic whimsy. Additionally, the leaves of this plant contribute to its ornamental value, as they are shaped in a lance-like fashion, tapering to a point and providing a textural contrast to the softness of the flowers. This combination of distinctive foliage and captivating blooms makes Lychnis flos-jovis a truly decorative element in any garden setting.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Synonyms
  Flower of Jove, Jupiter's Flower.
- Common names
  Silene flos-jovis, Coronaria flos-jovis, Lychnis flos-cuculi var. flos-jovis.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant known as Flower of Jove (Lychnis flos-jovis) is not typically regarded as a toxic plant to humans. In general, accidental ingestion is not expected to cause serious symptoms. Nonetheless, consuming any plant material may result in gastrointestinal discomfort or irritation in some individuals due to the presence of saponins or other plant compounds, which can be mildly toxic. It's always best to avoid ingesting plants not known to be safe for consumption and to seek medical attention if any adverse reactions occur after ingestion.
- To pets
  For pets, the Flower of Jove (Lychnis flos-jovis) is also not commonly recognized as a toxic plant. However, similarly to humans, the ingestion of plant material that is not part of an animal's typical diet could lead to gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. As a general precaution, it is advisable to prevent pets from consuming this or any unknown plant, and to consult a veterinarian if a pet exhibits any signs of illness following possible ingestion.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  5
- Native area
  Europe

Benefits

General Benefits
- Ornamental Value: Lychnis flos-jovis, also known as flower-of-Jove, has vibrant flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can survive with minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that aid in pollination.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Its foliage is not preferred by deer and rabbits, reducing the risk of damage by these animals.
- Low Maintenance: Flower-of-Jove is easy to care for, requiring little maintenance once grown.
- Propagation Ease: It can be easily propagated by seeds or division, allowing gardeners to create more plants for their gardens or to share with others.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- Lychnis flos-jovis, commonly known as Flower of Jove, can be used in dried flower arrangements due to its interesting seed capsules and lasting color.
- In companion planting, Flower of Jove can sometimes be used to attract beneficial insects to the garden, like bees and butterflies, which help in pollination of nearby plants.
- The felt-like foliage of Flower of Jove can be intriguing in tactile gardens, where plants are chosen for their texture to be enjoyed by touch.
- During the Middle Ages, it was believed that Flower of Jove could protect against witchcraft and evil spirits when grown in an herb garden or around the home.
- In some traditional ceremonies, the vibrant flowers of Flower of Jove are used as natural confetti, which is biodegradable and adds a splash of color to events.
- Flower of Jove can be a natural indicator of soil pH, as the color intensity of the flowers can vary with the soil's acidity or alkalinity.
- As a historical use, the petals of Flower of Jove were sometimes used to create natural dyes for fabric, offering shades of pink to crimson.
- Gardeners may grow Flower of Jove to create a 'moon garden', where the light-colored flowers reflect moonlight and create a luminous effect at night.
- The vibrant flowers of Flower of Jove may be used as edible garnishes in salads and desserts, provided they are free of pesticides and other chemicals.
- In craft projects, the unique look of Flower of Jove's flowers can be pressed and used in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or other paper-based crafts.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Flower of Jove is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Flower of Jove is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Longevity: Lychnis flos-jovis, commonly known as the Flower-of-Jove, is said to symbolize longevity, perhaps due to its perennial nature and its ability to thrive and bloom year after year.
- Protection: The name "flower-of-Jove" refers to Jove, or Jupiter, the king of the gods in Roman mythology. Associating the plant with such a powerful figure can symbolize protection and strength.
- Survival: This hardy plant can grow in rocky, less hospitable areas, symbolizing the ability to survive and adapt in challenging environments and circumstances.
- Beauty and Admiration: With its showy flowers, Flower-of-Jove is often associated with beauty and garners admiration from those who see it, symbolizing the attraction and appreciation of natural beauty.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-early summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Flower of Jove should be watered regularly during its growing season, ensuring the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. A general rule is to water about once a week with approximately 1-2 gallons, depending on the plant's size and environmental conditions. It's important to check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is better to err on the side of caution.
Light
The Flower of Jove thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. An ideal spot is where the plant receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, it appreciates some afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat.
Temperature
Flower of Jove prefers moderate temperature conditions and can tolerate a range from 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive short periods of colder temperatures down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be harmful. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pruning
Pruning the Flower of Jove is mainly done to remove spent flowers and encourage further blooming. It is also advisable to prune back the foliage in late fall to tidy the plant and prepare it for winter. The best time for rigorous pruning is early spring, just as new growth begins.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Flower of Jove thrives in well-draining soil with added organic matter, a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0, preferentially a loamy or sandy composition.
Repotting
Flower of Jove generally doesn't need frequent repotting; it can be done every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container.
Humidity & Misting
Flower of Jove is tolerant of average garden humidity levels and does not require any special humidity adjustments.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, minimal watering, and well-draining soil for indoor Flower of Jove.
- Outdoor
  Plant Flower of Jove in full sun to light shade and well-drained soil.
- Hardiness zone
  Flower of Jove is suitable for USDA zones 3-9.
Life cycle
Lychnis flos-jovis, commonly known as Flower-of-Jove, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which is most successful in well-drained soil with full to partial sunlight. As the seeds sprout, they develop into a rosette of basal leaves in the first year, establishing a strong root system. The following year, the plant sends up flowering stems from the rosette, producing clusters of vivid, typically pink, star-shaped flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, critical for the plant's sexual reproduction. After pollination, the flowers develop seed capsules containing numerous seeds, which are dispersed by wind or wildlife. If the conditions are favorable, these seeds will germinate and continue the life cycle of the species. Throughout the growing seasons, Flower-of-Jove behaves as a perennial, dying back to the ground level during winter and resurfacing from its hardy roots each spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-early summer
- The most popular method of propagating Flower of Jove, otherwise known as Lychnis flos-jovis, is by sowing seeds. This is usually done in the spring, after the threat of frost has passed, to allow for optimal growth conditions. Seeds can be scattered directly on the surface of a well-draining soil mix and should not be covered as they require light for germination. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Germination can take anywhere from two to four weeks. Once seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots or to their final location in the garden. It's essential to harden off the plants gradually before planting them outside to prevent shock from the change in conditions.