I live in Georgia and am also moving to Alabama (Birmingham) next month where I am originally from. The climate in Atlanta is almost identical to most of Alabama unless you are moving to South AL were the biggest difference is hotter and more humidity in the summer down south. I have just started growing roses so I'm not an expert by any means. So, for what it's worth this has been my experience. I do get dark mildew spots and this is what you have to do to control. Water early in the morning by the soaker method making sure to keep leaves dry. When you do see spots, cut the infected area immediately making sure that your shears have been sterilized after each cut. Do not leave any fallen leaves or cut stems on the ground. As soon as you see or cut any, discard as far away from the bushes as possible. This helps, but it is hard to control, at least for me. Other more experienced growers may have better methods. I also spray with fungicides and use systemic granules with minimum success. The biggest threat to my roses has been japanese beetles. These horrible insects show up in the beginning of June and last until the end of June, however, last year I had them for 2 months. They eat every rose in site until the rose looks like a piece of lace when and if it gets to open. I sprayed, smashed and anything else anyone suggested to no avail. You just about have to let them run the course. I have been away from Alabama for about 3 years now and was not growing roses then, so I'm not sure if the beetle problem is as bad there, but I know they are there as well. My Aunt lives in Birmingham and has them as well every June, on other plants. I have different varieties of roses and they have all done well. I must say that aside from the problems I mentioned above, they are beautiful. Good luck!

I just read that the leaves were formerly used for lamp wicks, hence the name lychnis, which is Greek for "lamp". Gardening really is such an expansive subject ... gardenweed - Specialty Perennials has the flos-jovis; Gardens North has a nice selection of lychnis, but no flos-jovis (I have to stay away from that site, there are too many temptations there!); Jelittos, B&T World, Secret Seeds - looks like most of the places that have flos-jovis are not in the U.S. With its many variations, lychnis is one plant you could get lost in. Help me! Thanks for the help, folks, and thanks for the offers of seeds, too! PV

Hi everyone, Great discussion! I really like rose campion too. I agree with everything you've said, especially about it getting a bit ratty when it goes to seed, and about the color being hard to place in color themed gardens (which mine never are, lol). Great plant though. I also call the color "screaming pink", and I love it. The whites and pinks are great too. Right now I'm growing a fun variegated-leaf type with white swirls on the fuzzy grey leaves. Hopefully they'll bloom for me next spring (they're just mid-sized seedlings now--about 25% of the seeds came out variegated). Fun! Has anyone tried the double-flowering form? I've seen it in a few catalogs and have been tempted. The flowers look like small carnations--really neat. Apparently it rarely-to-never self sows, which some folks might like. If you've tried it feel free to share. Thanks again, Grant

In addition, even after the pods open and seed fall out, give them a little squeeze as sometimes a bunch get hung up. They should be fairly dry and crack as you pinch them. When I harvest rose campion I take a pair of scissors and a large bowl so I can cut down and shake seed off at the same time. Some pods don't turn dark, just a light brown, so look for the opening at the top. I figure that when ma nature is ready to cut the seeds loose, they are ready. It's worked so far for four years of harvest.