Maltese Cross: A Fiery Addition to Your Perennial Garden
If you’re looking to add a splash of brilliant red to your garden that’s practically guaranteed to stop visitors in their tracks, meet the Maltese cross (Lychnis chalcedonica). This eye-catching perennial brings an old-world charm with its clusters of vivid scarlet flowers that seem to glow like tiny flames in the summer garden.
What is Maltese Cross?
Maltese cross is a hardy perennial forb – essentially a non-woody herbaceous plant that comes back year after year. Each small flower has four petals arranged in a distinctive cross shape, which gives this plant its memorable common name. The individual blooms might be small, but they pack together in dense, rounded clusters that create quite the show from early to mid-summer.
Standing 2-4 feet tall with lance-shaped leaves arranged in opposite pairs along sturdy stems, this plant has a classic cottage garden appearance that gardeners have cherished for generations.
Native Status and Distribution
Originally from European Russia and parts of Siberia, Maltese cross has made itself at home across much of North America. It’s considered a non-native species that has naturalized (reproduces on its own in the wild) throughout many northern states and Canadian provinces, including Alberta, Alaska, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Connecticut, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
While it’s not considered invasive or problematic, gardeners interested in supporting native ecosystems might want to consider native alternatives alongside or instead of Maltese cross.
Why Grow Maltese Cross?
There are several compelling reasons why this perennial has earned its place in gardens:
- Stunning color: That brilliant scarlet-red is hard to match and creates incredible contrast with green foliage and other flower colors
- Pollinator magnet: Butterflies, bees, and beneficial insects absolutely love the nectar-rich flowers
- Low maintenance: Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant and doesn’t need much fussing
- Long-lived: This perennial will return reliably for years
- Cottage garden charm: Perfect for that romantic, slightly wild garden aesthetic
Growing Conditions and Care
Maltese cross is refreshingly easy-going about its growing conditions, making it perfect for both beginner and busy gardeners.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade. More sun typically means more flowers.
Soil: Not particularly picky about soil type and will even handle clay soil. The key is good drainage while still retaining some moisture – basically, avoid soggy conditions and bone-dry spots.
Hardiness: Extremely cold-hardy, surviving in USDA zones 3-9, which covers most of the continental United States and much of Canada.
Planting and Care Tips
- Spacing: Plant 12-18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation
- Watering: Regular watering during establishment, then quite drought tolerant
- Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms and prevent excessive self-seeding
- Division: Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall to maintain vigor
- Self-seeding: May produce seedlings if flowers are left to set seed – not aggressive, but something to be aware of
Garden Design Ideas
Maltese cross shines in several garden settings:
- Cottage gardens: Perfect companion to roses, delphiniums, and other classic cottage plants
- Perennial borders: Provides strong vertical structure and color contrast
- Cutting gardens: Those bright flower clusters make excellent cut flowers
- Naturalized areas: Works well in meadow-style plantings
Native Alternatives to Consider
While Maltese cross is a lovely garden plant, gardeners interested in supporting native wildlife might also consider these native alternatives that provide similar benefits:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa): Native perennial with clusters of tubular flowers beloved by pollinators
- Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis): Brilliant red native that hummingbirds adore
- Fire pink (Silene virginica): Native with bright red star-shaped flowers
The Bottom Line
Maltese cross offers gardeners an easy-care perennial with show-stopping color and strong pollinator appeal. While it’s not native to North America, it’s not considered problematic either, making it a reasonable choice for gardens where that brilliant red color is desired. Whether you choose to grow it alongside native plants or explore native alternatives, the most important thing is creating a garden that brings you joy while supporting the local ecosystem as much as possible.
