100+ Lychnis Chalcedonica Flower Seeds-Maltese Cross-Dusky Salmon-Excellent Perennial-Attracts Butterflies/Hummingbird-B447
Description:
Lychnis chalcedonica is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native to central and eastern Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and northwestern China It is also known as Maltese Cross, Jerusalem Cross, Burning Love, Dusky Salmon, Flower of Bristol, Nonesuch. It is easily established by sowing Lychnis seeds. Maltese Cross is an heirloom flower that has been grown in American gardens since Colonial times. Its scarlet colored bloom clusters begin in June and continue through August.
Hummingbirds cannot leave the blooms alone! Jerusalem Cross Lychnis is excellent for cutting, and they are reliable and long-lived. Long popular in Cottage gardens, this is a rugged and easy perennial for any sunny border. Plants form an upright clump of bright green leaves, with taller stems in summer that bear large clusters of scarlet-orange flowers. Excellent for cutting. In rich soils this may need to be staked to prevent flopping. Reliable and long lived. Clumps may be easily divided in spring or fall. Flowers are attractive to butterflies, and possibly even hummingbirds.
Latin synonym: Silene chalcedonica
How to grow Maltese Cross Seeds: Sow Lychnis seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before the last frost is expected. Use well-draining starter soil. Sow the Lychnis seeds on the surface, lightly covered. Keep seed continuously moist until germination. Some gardeners will cover with plastic wrap to keep humidity high. Transplant outdoors after danger of frost and when seedlings are 2 inches tall. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong blooming season. Red Maltese Cross flowers may bloom the first year from flower seed if started early indoors. Lychnis care includes watering deeply throughout the growing season, mulching around the base to keep the roots cool, and deadheading spent blooms to prolong the blooming season.
USDA Zones: 3 - 10
Height: 30 - 34 inches
Bloom Season: Summer
Bloom Color: Scarlet
Environment: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Type: Well-drained, pH 5.8 - 6.8
Deer Resistant: Yes
Temperature: 68 - 70 F (20-21 C)
Average Germ Time: 14 - 21 days
Light Required: Yes
Depth: Seeds must be covered thinly
Sowing Rate: 3 seeds per plant
Moisture: Keep seeds continuously moist until germination
Plant Spacing: 12 - 18 inches
Season: Perennial
