maltese cross, lychnis

A.k.a. Maltese Cross or Jerusalem Cross producing long, cutting stems or brilliant, glowing, tomato red flowers on terminal clusters packed with 10-50 blooms. This variety blooms the first year it is in the garden and is at its best when combined with silver foliage plants like lamb’s ear, Artemisia, and with white bloomers like flax, baby’s breath and shasta daisies.

Plant in well-drained, nutrient rich soil amended with organic matter like Petitti Planting Mix. Water well after planting; maintain 1” of water, once a week the first year. Use Plant-tone and Iron-tone in spring or at planting; apply Osmocote in summer after deadheading or shearing to encourage new blooms. Mulch 1-2” to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Divide in spring or fall every 3 years. Avoid moist to wet soil; may enable invasive growth.