Lychnis chalcedonica

Maltese Cross has been cultivated sine the 16th century. It is one of the first very brightly colored flowers to burst into bloom in late spring or early summer. Clusters of scarlet-orange flowers are held on sturdy stems above fresh, green foliage. Much loved by bees, butterflies, and moths. Trouble-free and easy to grow in average to moist soil in full sun. Tolerates drought but the foliage will yellow and curl.

Distinctions: Winner of an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society

Zones: 4 to 8

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Type: Perennial

Height: 24 to 48 in.

Spread: 10 to 12 in.

Exposure: Full sun

Soil Conditions: dry, well-drained

Bloom Time: June to August

Bloom Color: Fire-red

Native Range: Eastern Europe, Eastern Asia to South Russia

Image Credits:

• Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons