Lychnis Chalcedonica

Maltese Cross, Scarlet Lightning

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.

An Heirloom Flower
Lychnis Chalcedonica has been grown in gardens since colonial times. Lush green upright growth. Dazzling scarlet flowers form dense clusters on taller stems in summer. Place toward the back of border as the flowers are held high and foliage tips can brown in late summer's heat. The brilliant flowers are indispensable where bold splashes of color are needed.

Code LYCH

Patent

Plant Type Perennials

Species

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

Soil Type Normal, Acidic, Sandy

Water Needs Medium

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

Bluestone Classics

You can't go wrong with the classics! These tried and true varieties are our staff's top picks for gardeners looking for low maintenance plants that will dazzle in the border.

Special Features

  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Good for Cut Flowers
  • Deer Resistant
  • Attracts Hummingbirds

Lychnis General Information

Lychnis are old-fashioned, hardy, trouble-free plants. Reliable and long lived. Flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Lychnis Plant Care

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.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% unconditional guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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