Maltese Scarlett Cross {Lychnis chalcedonica} Heat Resistant perennial | Cutting Favorite | 50+ seeds Free US Shipping!
Maltese Cross is one of those rare perennials who not only enjoy cold climates but
has a natural affinity for alkaline clay soils. Red is a rare color in perennials
(especially the clear brilliant red of Maltese Cross), so along with its height,
it is an attention-getter. The round-shaped red clusters bloom on stem tips of lanky
bright green foliage. Maltese Cross blooms in June and the addition of its red
flowers to the other primary colors of blues and yellows is a heat-seeking energy
force in a garden.
Maltese Cross supplies the scarlet red in this presentation of primary colors
in the perennial garden. Maltese Cross is one of the first perennials to break spring
dormancy, and pinching back these stems now will shorten and strengthen the tall skinny
perennial. In Western gardens, staking isn’t really necessary for the climate and soils
of the west keep this perennial shorter and more stocky in size.
Lychnis Chalcendonica’s foliage collapses after it finishes blooming so needs to be cut
back to the ground. A gardener may choose to trim it back before the blooming has stopped
for Maltese Cross is a prolific self-seeder and starts dropping seeds long before the
blooming has finished. These seeds will usually germinate before winter starts and many
seedlings will winter kill, but enough will survive to insure that its brilliant scarlet
colors will light up the garden next spring. Seeding is easy but divisions are difficult
because Maltese Cross sends deep masses of fibrous roots that become so huge they are
difficult to dig and divide. Lychnis, Maltese Cross, performs reliably year after
year without division, so allowing Maltese Cross to reseed is the easiest and best way
to propagate. Maltese Cross may be underused but is so hardy it dares grow where other
perennials dare not grow.
Type: Perennials
Height: Medium to Tall 3'
Spacing: Plant 12" apart
Bloom Time: Early Summer to Late Summer
Sun-Shade: Full Sun to Mostly Sunny
Zones: 3-8 Find Your Zone
Soil Condition: Normal, Acidic, Sandy
Flower: Red
Accent: Red
Pot Size: 3.5" square x 4" deep
Features to Note
Attracts Butterflies
Good for Cut Flowers
Deer Resistant
Attracts Hummingbirds
HOW TO GROW LYCHNIS CHALCEDONICA
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS:
Depth: Surface sow and press in lightly; requires light to germinate.
Sprout Time: 7-21 days
Starting Indoors: Sow 6–8 weeks before last frost and cover with
humidity dome to retain moisture until germination occurs. Keep at
65-70°F.
Starting Outdoors: Direct sow mid-spring to early summer. May bloom
the first year if sown indoors.
When to Set Outside: After last spring frost.
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
This trouble-free hardy perennial has brilliant scarlet clustered blooms
that appear reliably every summer,
its long bloom time lending vibrance to informal meadow gardens and mixed
borders. Deer and rabbits avoid it, and it is an excellent cut flower as
well. Deadhead for extended bloom.
Final Spacing: 2'
Water Use: Medium Water Use
Watering Details: Somewhat drought tolerant once established. 1" of water
per week initially, then water during dry spells.
Soil pH: Mildly acidic to neutral
Fertilizer: Mix about 2" of compost into the soil at time of planting, and
top-dress every spring with about 1".
Diseases & Pests: Mostly pest and disease free
When to Cut: 3/4-fully opened florets
Cut back plant by 1/3 when first blooms begin to fade. Divide periodically in
spring. Will self sow. Prefers a well-drained winter site. Can be pinched back
to control height.