Definition

Noun: * A flowering plant: A perennial garden plant (Lychnis coronaria, formerly Silene coronaria) native to southeastern Europe, characterized by its distinctive, densely white-woolly (felted) leaves and stems, and bright magenta or crimson flowers.

Usage

• The term "mullein pink" is used specifically to name this particular species of ornamental plant. It is a common name, with "rose campion" being a more frequently used synonym in gardening contexts.
• It is used to describe the plant in both casual and horticultural discussions.
  • The silvery foliage of the mullein pink provides excellent contrast in the flower border.
  • She added mullein pink to her cottage garden for a splash of vibrant color.

Advanced Usage

• The name "mullein pink" is somewhat descriptive: "mullein" refers to the woolly, mullein-like leaves, and "pink" is an old term for a flower in the carnation family (Caryophyllaceae), to which this plant belongs. However, this common name is less standard than "rose campion."

Variants and Related Words

• Rose campion: The most common synonym for .
• Dusty miller: A common name sometimes used for this plant, though it more accurately refers to other silvery-foliaged plants like or . This can cause confusion.
• Lychnis coronaria: The current botanical (Latin) name.
• Silene coronaria: A former botanical name still used in some references.

Synonyms

• Rose campion
• (scientific name)

Different Meanings

• "Mullein pink" refers only to this specific plant species. It is not a general color term, nor is it related to the common mullein plant () beyond the superficial similarity in leaf texture.

Noun

1. an old cottage garden plant of southeastern Europe widely cultivated for its attractive white woolly foliage and showy crimson flowers