Eggarton Cottages, Eggarton Lane, Godmersham, Kent, CT4 7DY
Tel/Fax: 01227 730242
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Rare wild flower and in decline in the south of England, with narrow green leaves and heads of bright red flowers about half-inch across. Ht 20 ins (50 cm). Found in the wild in tracks, hedgerows, around fields and in dry pastures � prefers disturbed ground.
Numbers have declined dramatically in the last 60 years due to agricultural threats � conversion of pasture to arable, loss of grazing leading to smothering by coarse plants, and loss of hedgerows. Classified as Vulnerable by the World Conservation Union. Protected legally under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
May not have even grown in Deptford! The evidence is scanty with regard to this.
Plant out in well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to promote new flowers.