Thanks! It is indeed Lychnis viscaria, or Sticky Catchfly. I forgot to mention how sticky then flowering stems are. From wikipedia: Lychnis viscaria is said to increase the disease resistance of surrounding plants. Extract from Lychnis viscaria contains a relatively high amount of brassinosteroids, which have a proven positive effect on the growth of other plants. In Germany the extract is allowed for use as a "plant strengthening substance." Love this forum, and appreciate the lead!

Funny you should ask. I have both of these planted on either side of an arch. I hate to tell you that Dame Edith produces perhaps a dozen blooms a year. They are very beautiful, but honestly I've hardly seen a more shy bloomer. It does however grow and grow. Climbing Oklahoma is not a great bloomer either. I am a person who is very patient and tolerant with climbers. I grow many. I just don't think I would reccomend Dame Edith.

Hello Everybody, Here some info from French litterature, friends and other. 1) Col De Dame is hardy to zone 8. 2) Col De Dame Noir is said to be much sweeter than Col De Dame Blanc. 3) Col De Dame Noir, Blanc and Gris are very powerful strong growers. They belong to the tallest and widest figs. Height and width probably like Mission Fig, Brogiotto Bianco, Brogiotto Nero, Grise de St-Jean, Desert King (not sure about this one but seems very vigorous). Bye, Etneo

My husband called the house immediately when he heard that Our Lady of Paris was on fire. And he *never* calls the house (he normally just emails me). I couldn't bring myself to watch *any* news videos of the fire. I cried upon learning that the Crown of Thorns was housed there, as well as a Nail and a piece of the Cross. The building and art being in grave danger was terribly sad, but I totally lost it when I learned of the relics. (The three relics I just mentioned are now believed to be safe.) I am a devout Catholic. Our Lady of Paris -- my husband visited her twice, not 2 months ago -- meant more to me than it does to some others. If she was a secular building, more/different folks would care more, is my guess. Nothing necessarily wrong with that... After all, I would not be as emotionally invested if something happened to an important mosque or Buddhist temple or something, you know? For some of us, yes, Our Lady of Paris Cathedral is something super special, and her losses sustained in the fire are heartbreaking. The absolute BEST news, though, is (to my knowledge) no human lives were lost. PRAISE BE TO GOD!