Welcome to story time here at Larson’s Garden Center! Gather ‘round, because the plant you’re holding—the Campion ‘Rollie’s Favorite’—isn’t just any perennial. It’s actually a bit of a local celebrity with a heart of gold.
The Tale of the Accidental Superstar
Once upon a time, in a lush garden in North Bridgton, Maine, there lived a man named Rollie Adams. Now, Rollie wasn’t trying to be a world-famous plant breeder; he was just a guy who really, really loved his garden.
One afternoon, Rollie noticed a mysterious little seedling popping up near some Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria) and German Catchfly (Lychnis viscaria). Instead of pulling it like a weed, he let it grow. And boy, did it grow!
The “Magic” of Rollie’s Discovery:
• The Look: Unlike its cousins that can get a bit “floppy” and tired, this plant stayed perky, upright, and formed a perfect mound of fuzzy, soft-as-a-kitten leaves.
• The Flowers: When it finally bloomed, it didn’t just give a few flowers; it exploded into a cloud of vibrant, bubblegum-pink blossoms with tiny white starry centers.
• The Charm: It was so spectacular that every time a visitor walked through Rollie’s garden, they’d point and ask, “What is THAT?” Rollie would just smile and say it was his favorite.
Eventually, word got out to the plant pros. They realized Rollie had discovered a natural hybrid that was tougher, prettier, and bloomed longer than almost anything else in its family. They named it ‘Rollie’s Favorite’ to honor the man who gave it a chance to shine.
Why It’s the Hero of Your Garden
If you take this one home today, you’re not just buying a plant; you’re buying a tireless worker.
1. It’s a Social Butterfly: Butterflies and hummingbirds will treat your garden like the hottest new club in town when these pink flowers pop in late spring.
2. It’s a Softie: Go ahead, pet those leaves! They are wonderfully hairy and soft, which (bonus!) makes them deer-resistant. Deer usually hate the “fuzzy” texture in their mouths.
3. It’s Low-Drama: It doesn’t ask for much—just a bit of sun and a decent drink of water, and it’ll keep coming back year after year to remind you why it was Rollie’s favorite.
So, what do you think? Does this pink-blooming celebrity have a spot in your garden today?
