Lychnis (Lychnis Chalcedonica) - This Lychnis, also known as Maltese Cross or Jerusalem Cross, is easily established by sowing Lychnis seeds. Maltese Cross Lychnis Chalcedonica 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!

Maltese Cross Lychnis has long been popular in cottage gardens. It is a hardy and easy perennial for any sunny border. Plants form an upright clump of bright green leaves, with taller stems that bear the clusters of scarlet-orange flowers. Jerusalem Cross Lychnis is excellent for cutting, and they are reliable and long-lived.

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.