Ragged-robin is a lovely but declining plant in the wild due to drainage of its natural wetland habitats. It is an attractive, bushy, upright perennial with loose clusters of 'ragged' pink flowers. It has narrow, light green leaves in opposing pairs along a reddish stem. Ragged-robin will grow in a damp position in a lawn, flower border, open woodland or next to a pond in sun or partial shade. It self seeds readily.

The second part of the botanical name translates as 'the flower of the cuckoo'. Ragged-robin comes into flower when cuckoos are calling most obviously, as does the unrelated lady's-smock - another plant known as the cuckoo flower.