Maltese Scarlett Cross {Lychnis chalcedonica} Heat Resistant perennial | Cutting Favorite | 50+ seeds Free US Shipping! Maltese Cross is one of those rare perennials who not only enjoy cold climates but has a natural affinity for alkaline clay soils. Red is a rare color in perennials (especially the clear brilliant red of Maltese Cross), so along with its height, it is an attention-getter. The round-shaped red clusters bloom on stem tips of lanky bright green foliage. Maltese Cross blooms in June and the addition of its red flowers to the other primary colors of blues and yellows is a heat-seeking energy force in a garden. Maltese Cross supplies the scarlet red in this presentation of primary colors in the perennial garden. Maltese Cross is one of the first perennials to break spring dormancy, and pinching back these stems now will shorten and strengthen the tall skinny perennial. In Western gardens, staking isn’t really necessary for the climate and soils of the west keep this perennial shorter and more stocky in size. Lychnis Chalcendonica’s foliage collapses after it finishes blooming so needs to be cut back to the ground. A gardener may choose to trim it back before the blooming has stopped for Maltese Cross is a prolific self-seeder and starts dropping seeds long before the blooming has finished. These seeds will usually germinate before winter starts and many seedlings will winter kill, but enough will survive to insure that its brilliant scarlet colors will light up the garden next spring. Seeding is easy but divisions are difficult because Maltese Cross sends deep masses of fibrous roots that become so huge they are difficult to dig and divide. Lychnis, Maltese Cross, performs reliably year after year without division, so allowing Maltese Cross to reseed is the easiest and best way to propagate. Maltese Cross may be underused but is so hardy it dares grow where other perennials dare not grow. Type: Perennials Height: Medium to Tall 3' Spacing: Plant 12" apart Bloom Time: Early Summer to Late Summer Sun-Shade: Full Sun to Mostly Sunny Zones: 3-8 Find Your Zone Soil Condition: Normal, Acidic, Sandy Flower: Red Accent: Red Pot Size: 3.5" square x 4" deep Features to Note Attracts Butterflies Good for Cut Flowers Deer Resistant Attracts Hummingbirds HOW TO GROW LYCHNIS CHALCEDONICA SOWING INSTRUCTIONS: Depth: Surface sow and press in lightly; requires light to germinate. Sprout Time: 7-21 days Starting Indoors: Sow 6–8 weeks before last frost and cover with humidity dome to retain moisture until germination occurs. Keep at 65-70F. Starting Outdoors: Direct sow mid-spring to early summer. May bloom the first year if sown indoors. When to Set Outside: After last spring frost. PLACEMENT CULTIVATION This trouble-free hardy perennial has brilliant scarlet clustered blooms that appear reliably every summer, its long bloom time lending vibrance to informal meadow gardens and mixed borders. Deer and rabbits avoid it, and it is an excellent cut flower as well. Deadhead for extended bloom. Final Spacing: 2' Water Use: Medium Water Use Watering Details: Somewhat drought tolerant once established. 1" of water per week initially, then water during dry spells. Soil pH: Mildly acidic to neutral Fertilizer: Mix about 2" of compost into the soil at time of planting, and top-dress every spring with about 1". Diseases Pests: Mostly pest and disease free When to Cut: 3/4-fully opened florets Cut back plant by 1/3 when first blooms begin to fade. Divide periodically in spring. Will self sow. Prefers a well-drained winter site. Can be pinched back to control height.