This genus contains some small alpines (including one that is very rare in Britain), as well as larger plants suitable for a herbaceous border. The white, pink orr ed flowers are carried in terminal clusters.

Lychnis (Silene) yunnanensis (samojedorum) is a Chinese species, more robust than its cousin from the European Alps, so that it can be used at the front of a herbaceous border, as well as in a rock garden. It forms clumps with light green leaves and stems carrying lots of pink or white flowers. This is a reliable and excellent performer, which seems to be little known.