Maltese Cross, Jerusalem Cross, Scarlet lightning

Maltese Cross, Jerusalem Cross, Scarlet lightning

Lychnis chalcedonica

This upright perennial bears red flowers in summer.

  • Red flowers are produced in summer, providing colour through the bloom season.
  • Upright clump, reaching 75 cm at maturity; divide every three to four years to maintain vigour.
  • Best in full sun with moist, well-drained soil.
Size
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Plant Characteristics

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil Moisture
Well-drained, Moist, Average
Hardiness Zone
4 – 4
Mature Height (meters)
0.6 – 0.75
Mature Spread (meters)
0.4 – 0.5
Growth Rate
Medium
Flower Colour
Red
Foliage Colour
Green
Bloom Time
Summer
Habit
Upright
Deer Resistant
✓
Rabbit Resistant
✓
Pollinator Friendly
✓
Attracts Birds
✓
Landscape Uses
Border
Growing & Maintenance Tips
An excellent cut flower. May need staking. Reliable and long-lived clumps that can be easily divided in the spring or fall and add bold colour for the back border.
Notes
Individual cross-shaped flowerets with deeply-lobed petals resemble Maltese crosses. All parts of the plant contain saponins, which can cause red blood cells to rupture. While not severely toxic, consuming large amounts of the plant could be dangerous.

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