Description
Silene chalcedonica (formerly Lychnis chalcedonica) | Maltese Cross
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, Red Lightning, Scarlet Lightning, Scarlet Lychnis, and Tears of Christ, is 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.
The Maltese Cross plant has an erect stout green stem and green lanceolate leaves. The bright red flowers appear in clusters at the top of the stem during summer months. Each brilliantly bright red flower 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.
Silene chalcedonica 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. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies are attracted to the bright red flowers.
A winner of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
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
