Maltese Cross
Silene chalcedonica
Also called lychnis, jerusalem cross
Maltese cross is an erect perennial with scarlet, cross-shaped summer flowers that attract pollinators. It grows about 20 to 40 inches (51 to 102 cm) tall in full sun or partial shade.
Quick facts
- Germination time
- Not yet verified
- Germination temperature
- Not yet verified
- Sowing depth
- Not yet verified
- Spacing between plants
- Not yet verified
- Days to maturity
- Not yet verified
- Sun
- Full sun, partial shade
Safety for cats and dogs: not yet verified.
By SeedBattle EditorsUpdated
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01 · Overview
About maltese cross
Maltese cross is an erect, deciduous perennial with brilliant red flowers shaped like a Maltese cross, which bloom in summer. Its scarlet flowers form dense, domed heads. It is native to Eastern Europe to Siberia and China. Other names include Jerusalem cross and Tears of Christ.
Growing details
- Start indoors
- Not yet verified
- Sow outdoors
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Moderate
- Containers
- Not yet verified
- Height
- 0.5–1 m20 in–3½ ft
- Spread
- 10–51 cm4–20 in
- Frost tolerance
- Not yet verified
- Soil pH
- Not yet verified
- Life cycle
- Perennial
- Hardiness zones
- USDA zones 3–9
02 · How to grow
How to grow maltese cross from seed
Sowing. Sowing time, sowing depth and germination period are not given for this plant, so check local seed packet timing before sowing. Seed is one of three ways to propagate it, alongside division of its rhizomes and basal cuttings.
Site. Give it full sun or partial shade. It prefers a sheltered spot, since wind can damage it.
Soil. It does well in loamy or sandy soils, and the profile lists chalk, loam and sand as suitable soil types.
03 · Care
Caring for maltese cross
Water. Keep the soil constantly moist but well drained.
Support. Because of its height, it may need staking.
Deadheading. Removing faded flowers may extend the bloom period.
At a glance
How maltese cross compares with other flowers
Worked out from the growing facts of the 79 seeds in Flowers on SeedBattle.
- Maltese Cross
- Each of the other flowers
- Their average
- HeightAbout average
0.5–1 m20 in–3½ ft
Average for flowers: 70 cm2½ ft, from 68 other seeds
04 · Problems
Common maltese cross problems
Aphids and slugs feed on Maltese cross, and the plant is generally disease-free. Wind can damage the stems, so a sheltered spot helps.
Maltese Cross questions
How tall does Maltese cross grow?
It grows about 20 to 40 inches (51 to 102 cm) tall.
Does Maltese cross need full sun?
It prefers full sun, but it also grows in partial shade.
Can I grow Maltese cross from seed?
Yes, it can be propagated by seed. Sowing times and germination periods are not covered on this page, so check your seed packet.
Does Maltese cross need staking?
It may need staking because of its height, and a sheltered spot helps prevent wind damage.
Quick answers
More maltese cross questions
Short answers taken from the growing facts on this page.
Is maltese cross an annual or a perennial?
Maltese cross is a perennial.
How much water does maltese cross need?
Maltese cross has moderate water needs.
Which USDA zones can maltese cross grow in?
Maltese cross is hardy in USDA zones 3–9.
Side by side
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