Description
Silene chalcedonica (formerly Lychnis chalcedonica) | Maltese Cross ‘Carnea’
Maltese Cross has many other common names, too, including Jerusalem Cross, Knight’s Cross, Burning Love, Constantinople Campion, Flower of Bristol, Flower of Constantinople, Meadow Campion, None-such, and Tears of Christ. The ‘Carnea’ variety is also sometimes listed as ‘Dusky Salmon’, ‘Dawn Sky’, ‘Dusky Pink’, ‘Pinkie’ and ‘Margenrot’. Its an erect deciduous perennial flower that grows up to 3.5 ft tall. Native to Eastern Europe, Siberia, Alaska, and China. Silene chalcedonica is found in moist forest meadows, shrub lands, disturbed areas, along roadsides, open woodlands and in ravines.
The genus name, Silene, means “catchfly” or “campion.” The plants in this genus have sticky hairs that discourage ants and other insects from eating the plant. The species name, chalcedonica, means “of Chalcedon.” This is derived from the name of an old city that is now a part of Turkey.
Maltese Cross ‘Carnea’ has an erect stout green stem and green lanceolate leaves with large clusters of peach and salmon-pink flowers that bloom during the summer months. Each beautiful bloom has 5 deeply divided lobes with each lobe split into two smaller lobes, which gives the flower a shape that resembles the Maltese Cross. A very eye-catching plant that makes a lovely addition to a cottage garden, pollinator garden, or border garden. Cut off the withered flower heads to prolong flowering.
Silene chalcedonica ‘Carnea’ grows in full sun to part shade, is adaptable to many soil types, tolerates clay and requires constant moisture, but avoid waterlogged soils. Prefers a sheltered exposure. Due to the height of the plant, staking may be required. More blooms after being deadheaded.
Seeds may be sown indoors, lightly covered with soil and planted out when ready. Germination is easy and rapid.
Type: Perennial
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: 3-3.5 ft
Mature width: 10-24 inches
Hardiness zones: 4-9
