Silene chalcedonica aka Maltese Cross

Silene chalcedonica, or Maltese cross, is an upright herbaceous perennial. It belongs to the pink family, Caryophyllaceae. Its native range spans eastern Europe, Siberia, and parts of China. It grows in damp forest meadows, shrublands, and ravines. Gardeners may know it by its former name, Lychnis chalcedonica. The name Maltese cross refers to the shape of its flowers.

Plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 m] tall in gardens. Their spread is about 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 m]. Growth is moderate, and plants lose their leaves for winter. Stout, pale green stems stand straight and bear few branches. Hairs cover the stems and both sides of the leaves. The simple leaves grow in opposite pairs. They range from oval to lanceolate, with smooth edges. Their upper sides are greener than their undersides. Leaves at the base are broad with rounded ends.

Scarlet flowers form dense, rounded heads at the stem tips. Pink or white flowers occur less often. Each flower has five petals with deeply split tips. The petals give each bloom its cross-like shape. Red filaments carry yellow anthers above a pale green calyx. Flowering falls in early to midsummer, depending on location. Chicago Botanic Garden records flowers from July through August. A flush of flowers can last two to three weeks. Removing spent blooms can extend the display. The fruit is an egg-shaped capsule that opens into five sections. It releases small, reddish-brown seeds shaped like kidneys.

Give this plant sun or partial shade and fertile soil. It needs steady moisture, but water must drain away. Loam and sandy soils suit it, as does chalky soil. It tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline conditions. A sheltered site helps protect the tall stems from wind. Plants may still need stakes in exposed spots. RHS rates it H7 for winter hardiness. Chicago Botanic Garden lists USDA zones 3–9. Propagate it from seed, division, or basal cuttings. Cut the stems down in autumn.

Maltese cross suits borders, cottage gardens, and wildlife gardens. Its red flower heads also provide cut flowers. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit the blooms. Sources list it as deer resistant and low maintenance. Aphids and slugs may feed on it. Disease problems are uncommon. The supplied sources give no clear evidence about edible uses or toxicity.