Lychnis coronaria

http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=3417

Thank you Anchorman - I could have saved a lot of man hours if I'd accessed this website earlier!! Can now look up relevant info - thanks again.

they are lovely plants. short lived but seed freely. there is an all white and a white with a pink centre form too.

Thank you Seaburngirl - so I can look forward to them appearing next year! The garden is always full of self seeded aquilega that arrive from somewhere else, plus all the foxgloves - at this rate the garden centre will be losing my custom!!

i have these in the cracks of the drive way too. such a vibrant colour.

I certainly shan't mind where they self seed for next year - the colour is stunning - rather puts my other pink flowers in the shade!

A lovely plant which I wouldn't be without! It pops up unexpectedly, blooms reliably and profusely and has a long flowering period.

Thank you Pennyfarthing - I look forward with anticipation to see where it pops up next year. It is in a pot at the moment but I'm wondering whether it would be better in the ground?

I'd say yes. they thrive on poor soil and dry conditions

Thanks Anchorman - I will wait till flowering season has passed and find a spot in the garden. Many thanks to everyone who has taken the time to respond.