Scarlet Lightning Silene chalcedonica

Maltese Cross is an erect deciduous perennial plant that grows about 20 to 40 inches tall. It has brilliant red flowers that have petals in the shape of the Maltese Cross that bloom in the summer months. It is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family that includes carnations and pinks.

The plant is native to Eastern Europe to Siberia and China. The plant is found in moist forest meadows, shrublands, and ravines in Russia. In Alaska, it also has been found growing in disturbed areas, along roadsides, woodland borders, and open woodlands.

The genus name, Silene, means "catchfly" or "campion." The plants in this genus have sticky hairs that discourage ants and other insects from eating the plant. The species name, chalcedonica, means "of Chalcedon." This is derived from the name of an old city that is now a part of Turkey.

In 1994, the genus name was formally changed to Silene chalcedonica. The plant was first named by the Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus, in 1753 and was known as Lychnis chalcedonica. In 1901, the German botanist, Ernst Hans Ludwig Krause, published the plant under the name, Silene chalcedonica. 

The plant has many common names including 'Tears of Christ,' "Jerusalem Cross,' and 'Flower of Constantinople.' The name, 'Maltese Cross,' is derived from the shape of the plant's flowers.

The Maltese Cross prefers full sun and requires constant moisture and well-drained soil. It does well in loamy or sandy soils and prefers a sheltered exposure. Due to the height of the plant, staking may be required. A sheltered exposure would be beneficial to prevent wind damage. The blooming period may be extended if the faded flowers are removed. The plant is propagated by seeds, division of its rhizomes, and basal cuttings. Hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies are attracted to the bright-colored flowers.

The plant has an erect stout green stem and green ovate to lanceolate leaves. The bright red flowers appear in clusters at the top of the stem. Each flower measures about 1 inch in diameter and has 5 deeply divided lobes. Each lobe is split into two smaller lobes. The flower shape resembles the Maltese Cross. The flowers are less commonly found in colors of pink or white. The fruit is a capsule that contains many seeds.

The Maltese Cross is a popular ornamental plant for many gardeners and received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The brilliant scarlet red flowers of the Maltese Cross are very eye-catching and would be a lovely addition to a cottage garden, pollinator garden, or border garden.

Seasons of interest:

Bloom:  Summer             Foliage:  Spring and Summer       Fruit:  Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• erect, stout green stems
• medium green ovate to lanceolate leaves, basal leaves are broad with rounded ends
• clusters of flowers in bright scarlet red with each flower in the shape of a Maltese Cross
• dry fruit capsule with numerous seeds

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Aphids and slugs are known to feed on the Maltese Cross. The plant is generally disease-free.