Lychnis chalcedonica
Jerusalem cross, Maltese cross, London pride, Scarlet lightning
- Height × spread
- 0.9m × 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Spring, Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This species was said to have been introduced by the Crusaders. The name Jerusalem Cross derives from the shape of the flowers; these are tightly clustered in heads on the top of long stalks. Other names include Knight's Cross, Campion of Constantinople and Flower of Bristowe from its similarity to a dye called Bristol Red). The plant has fairly ordinary grey-green foliage but rather startling, vermilion flowers in early summer. If cut down when the flowering is complete it will manage a repeat show.
- Flower colour
- Red
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Stem colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Column
- Height
- 0.9m
- Spread
- 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Wild flower meadow, Seaside garden, Prairie garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Rabbit resistant, Butterfly attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.
Planting & general
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.
Found in
More Lychnis
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Campion, Catchfly
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Lychnis 'Hill Grounds'
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Lychnis 'Molten Lava'
Camption, Catchfly
Lychnis alpina
Alpine campion
Lychnis chalcedonica 'Rosea'
Jerusalem cross, Maltese cross, London pride, Scarlet lightning
Lychnis chalcedonica var. albiflora
Jerusalem cross, Maltese cross, London pride, Scarlet lightning
Lychnis coronaria
Dusty miller, Rose campion, Mullein pink