Maltese cross (Silene chalcedonica) is an herbaceous perennial that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Dense clusters of bright reddish-burgundy flowers bloom from spring through summer. Thrives in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Silene chalcedonica (syn. Lychnis chalcedonica), the Maltese cross or scarlet lychnis, is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to Eurasia. Other common names include flower of Bristol, Jerusalem cross and nonesuch.
This plant was first formally named as Lychnis chalcedonica by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. For purposes of taxonomic stability, the genus name Lychnis was formally rejected in 1994 and the name Silene was conserved. The name Silene chalcedonica was published by Ernst Hans Ludwig Krause in 1901.
The specific epithet chalcedonica refers to the ancient town of Chalcedon in what is now Turkey.
It is a perennial herbaceous plant growing 35–100 centimetres (14–39 inches) tall with unbranched stems. The simple, broadly lanceolate leaves are produced in opposite pairs. Each leaf ranges between 2–12 cm (1–5 in) long and 1–5 cm (1⁄2–2 in) across.
The bright red flowers are produced in clusters of 10-50 together. Each flower is 1–3 cm (1⁄2–1+1⁄4 in) in diameter with a deeply five-lobed corolla, each lobe being further split into two smaller lobes. This forms a general shape similar to that of the Maltese cross to which it owes one of its common names. The fruit is a dry capsule containing numerous seeds.
The species is native to central and eastern Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and northwestern China. It has naturalized in some parts of North America. It can be found along roadsides and other disturbed areas, as well as open woodlands, in the northern United States and Canada.
It is a popular ornamental plant in gardens. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit. Numerous cultivars have been selected, varying in flower colour from bright red to orange-red, pink or white. It grows best in partial to full sun and in any good well-drained soil, if provided with a constant moisture supply. The flowering period is extended if faded flowers are removed. It is short-lived in poorly drained soil. Double-flowered cultivars are propagated by division.
II. How to Grow and Care
Maltese cross is recognized for its vibrant blooms and straightforward care requirements. Thriving in full sun environments, maltese cross needs well-draining soil, reflecting its resilience against common gardening challenges. Special care should be afforded during initial planting, ensuring proper spacing to promote air circulation and prevent potential fungal issues. Regular deadheading can also encourage a more prolific blooming season for this striking plant.
Sunlight
For the best show, grow the flower of Bristol plant in full sun. The sunnier the spot, the more flowers your plant will produce and the bushier it will become. Flower of Bristol planted in a shady area will grow leggy and long.
Temperature and Humidity
Flower of Bristol favors conditions similar to those found in the Mediterranean. Mild winters and hot and somewhat humid days allow this plant to thrive best. Flower of Bristol can survive temperatures above 90 F. However, to maintain health, frequent watering during hot spells is advised.
Watering
The flower of Bristol grows best in evenly moist soil. It requires more frequent watering during summer droughts and when propagating from seed, as the seeds need to be consistently wet to sprout.
Soil
Good soil drainage is required to grow the flower of Bristol successfully. This plant can tolerate mildly acidic or alkaline soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. If your growing area is compacted, add compost mixed with peat to amend the soil and allow for proper drainage.
Fertilizing
The flower of Bristol is not a heavy feeder, but like most plants, it performs best in fertile soil, as opposed to nutritionally deficient soil. An occasional feeding of compost should be sufficient for maintaining plant health.
Pruning
Deadhead spent flowers mid-summer to promote continuous blooms or forego this process and allow the plants to reseed themselves and spread. As part of your annual maintenance, cut the old stems down to the ground in the spring to allow for new growth.
Propagation
Flower of Bristol plants are grown from seeds. You can also transplant a flower of Bristol plant flower purchased from a garden center or nursery in the spring.
How to Grow From Seed
When starting flower of Bristol from seed, sow them directly into the ground or start them indoors in containers. Sow seeds directly into your garden in late spring, covering them with 1/8 inch of fine loam. Seeds germinate in two to three weeks.
In indoor containers, plant seeds in pots filled with sterile potting soil six to eight weeks before your region’s final frost. Place the pots in a sunny window and keep them evenly moist. Once seedlings sprout, transplant them outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. They do not make good container plants; they are best grown in the ground.
Overwintering
This perennial plant is hardy to zone 4 and can handle the winters without any extra care. Prune dead flowers and leaves in late fall to help them grow back nicely in the spring.
III. Uses and Benefits
The maltese cross is popular in ornamental gardens because it is considered easy to grow, long-lived, and it has a long blooming season with its bright red blossoms. This plant is the recepient of many horticultural awards, and is popular in cottage gardens, coastal gardens, and perennial borders. The maltese cross attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while remaining deer resistant.
