Maltese Cross, also called Burning Love, produces rounded clusters of brilliant scarlet-red flowers above upright green stems. Each small flower has deeply notched petals that create its distinctive cross-like shape, bringing strong colour to borders and cottage gardens.
This Buzzy selection grows into a tall, leafy perennial with flowering stems suitable for cutting. Plant it among lower-growing flowers so the red clusters rise above the surrounding foliage.
Why Gardeners Love It
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Brilliant Scarlet Colour: Dense red flower clusters stand out against green foliage.
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Distinctive Flowers: Deeply notched petals give each bloom its cross-like shape.
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Upright Display: Adds height and structure to mixed flower borders.
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Flowers for Cutting: Suitable for fresh arrangements and informal bouquets.
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Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract bees and butterflies.
Best Conditions
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Germination: Usually 10–21 days; some seeds take longer
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Germination temperature: Around 18–21°C
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Sunlight: At least 6 hours, with afternoon protection in extreme heat
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Pot size: A 12-inch pot for one plant
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Spacing: About 12–18 inches between plants
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Plant height: Around 3 feet
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Soil: Fertile, moisture-retentive and well-draining mix
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First flowers: First or second year, depending on sowing time
Sowing note: In Lahore, Faisalabad, Islamabad and Rawalpindi, start seeds from September to November once temperatures have cooled. In hotter areas such as Karachi and southern Punjab, sow from October to November in a protected location. In colder northern and hilly areas, sow from March to April after severe frost has eased. Cooler regions offer better conditions for keeping established plants for several years.
How to Sow
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Fill a seed tray with fine, pre-moistened seed starter mix.
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Scatter the seeds thinly and press gently onto the surface without covering.
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Mist lightly, cover with a clear lid and place in bright, indirect light.
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Ventilate daily and remove the cover once seedlings begin appearing.
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Move seedlings into individual pots after they develop two pairs of true leaves.
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Gradually acclimatise the young plants outdoors before planting in their final positions.
Plant Care
Keep the root area evenly moist, watering thoroughly when the surface begins drying. Avoid letting the entire pot dry out, especially while flower stems are developing. Allow excess water to drain freely and keep the plant’s crown above standing water.
Mix a small amount of Vermicompost into the soil before transplanting. Established plants can receive a light top-dressing when fresh seasonal growth begins. Check young shoots for aphids and treat affected growth with Neem Oil at its labelled dilution, avoiding open flowers.
Local Gardener Tips
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Insert a slim support before the flower clusters become heavy.
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Keep pots away from walls that reflect strong afternoon heat.
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Add a thin mulch around established plants, leaving the central crown clear.
Flowering and Display
Remove faded flower clusters by cutting the stem back to a healthy leaf joint. This keeps the display tidy and can encourage further flowering. Once the flowering stems are finished, trim them back without damaging healthy leaves at the base.
For indoor arrangements, cut fresh flowering stems during the cooler part of the day and place them in clean water promptly. Group several plants in a border for a stronger display of red above the surrounding foliage.
FAQs
Why have healthy seedlings suddenly collapsed at soil level?
This is often damping-off, which develops readily in wet, poorly ventilated seed trays. Remove affected seedlings, improve airflow and allow excess moisture to drain. Use clean trays and fresh seed starter mix for another sowing.
Can established plants be divided?
Yes. Once a healthy plant has formed a substantial clump, it can be divided during cool spring weather. Keep roots and growing shoots on each section, then replant promptly.
Common names: Maltese Cross, Burning Love, Jerusalem Cross, Scarlet Lychnis, Flower of Bristol, Silene chalcedonica, Lychnis chalcedonica
