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Silene chalcedonica
Maltese cross syn. Lychnis chalcedonica
Brilliant red flowers appear in dense, rounded clusters atop upright stems in early to midsummer, creating a bold and eye-catching...
approx 100 seeds
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Plant description
Brilliant red flowers appear in dense, rounded clusters atop upright stems in early to midsummer, creating a bold and eye-catching display. This perennial has mid-green, lance-shaped leaves held on sturdy, unbranched stems.
Silene chalcedonica is valued for its vibrant colour and strong vertical presence in borders, and thrives in full sun and moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and cut back after flowering to tidy up the plant.
Ideal for cottage-style planting schemes, wildlife gardens and cutting. Hardy and long-lived, it can be slow to establish but becomes more impressive each year.
Silene chalcedonica is valued for its vibrant colour and strong vertical presence in borders, and thrives in full sun and moisture-retentive, well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and cut back after flowering to tidy up the plant.
Ideal for cottage-style planting schemes, wildlife gardens and cutting. Hardy and long-lived, it can be slow to establish but becomes more impressive each year.
Eventual height & spread
Flowering period
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Plant features
Position
Full sun / light shade
Rate of growth
Average
Soil
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
Hardiness
Fully hardy
How to care for Silene chalcedonica:
Once planted out, Silene prefers a spot in full sun with fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in the first season while plants establish. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as they can cause root rot.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, or leave some seed heads if you want it to self-seed. Tall stems may benefit from staking in exposed spots to prevent flopping. Cut back spent growth in autumn or early spring.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming, or leave some seed heads if you want it to self-seed. Tall stems may benefit from staking in exposed spots to prevent flopping. Cut back spent growth in autumn or early spring.
Sowing instructions:
Sow indoors from late winter to early spring (February to April) at around 18-21°C (64-70°F) in trays of moist seed compost. Sow the seeds thinly on the surface and lightly press them in, but don’t cover, as light aids germination. Keep the compost moist but not wet.
Germination typically takes 2–3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them on individually and grow on in cooler conditions. Harden off before planting out after the last frost. Alternatively, sow direct outdoors in late spring, in finely prepared soil. Thin seedlings to final spacing once established.
Germination typically takes 2–3 weeks. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, pot them on individually and grow on in cooler conditions. Harden off before planting out after the last frost. Alternatively, sow direct outdoors in late spring, in finely prepared soil. Thin seedlings to final spacing once established.
Please note:
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
