Overview
Lychnis chalcedonica is a perennial in the genus Lychnis, part of the Caryophyllaceae family. Lychnis chalcedonica grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and cut flowers. It is native to Eurasia.
About
Lychnis chalcedonica is a perennial in the Caryophyllaceae grown for its value in borders and as a cut flower. Native to Eurasia, it is often called Maltese Cross or Jerusalem Cross. It favours a sunny site in soils that are moist yet drain freely. It is fully hardy in the UK (H7) and rated to USDA zone 4.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Silene chalcedonica
About the genus
Silene is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caryophyllaceae. Containing between 500 and 900 species, it is the largest genus in the family.
In the garden
Lychnis chalcedonica sits in the carnation family, where it is cultivated as a perennial for garden borders, cottage schemes and cutting. Native to Eurasia and known by the common names Maltese Cross and Jerusalem Cross, it is selected where upright, flowering stems are wanted to contribute structure and colour to mixed plantings and arrangements. Plant in full sun on soil that drains: it tolerates sandy, loamy or clay substrates provided they do not remain waterlogged. A soil that remains moist but well-drained suits it best; avoid heavy, permanently wet hollows. The UK hardiness rating H7 means it is fully hardy through normal British winters, and the USDA 4 rating indicates tolerance of fairly cold continental conditions. Use Lychnis chalcedonica in middle or rear border positions and in informal cottage combinations, or grow in blocks for cutting. Position plants where they receive strong light and reliable drainage to promote steady flowering and easier picking of stems for vases. Its combination of full-sun requirement and preference for well-drained yet moisture-retentive soil should guide where you place it in the bed.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Lychnis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Lychnis chalcedonica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Cottage gardens, Cut flowers
- Native to
- Eurasia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Lychnis chalcedonica
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering
- Pruning
- Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Lychnis chalcedonica?
Prefers well-drained soil; avoid waterlogging; deadhead to prolong flowering.
Where is the best place to plant Lychnis chalcedonica?
Lychnis chalcedonica prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Lychnis chalcedonica need?
Lychnis chalcedonica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Lychnis chalcedonica?
Remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming; cut back after flowering.
Is Lychnis chalcedonica hardy in the UK?
Lychnis chalcedonica has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Lychnis chalcedonica?
Seed, Division.
More in the Lychnis genus
- Lychnis coronaria 'Oculata'Rose Campion
- Lychnis flos-jovisflower-of-Jove
- Lychnis flos-jovis 'Hort's Variety'flower-of-Jove
- Lychnis × haageana
