Species profile

Kingdom: Plantae

Clade: Angiosperms, Tracheophytes, Eudicots

Order / Family: Caryophyllales 

Plant type: Herbaceous perennial

Genus: Silene

Scientific name: Lychnis chalcedonica

Species: S. chalcedonica

Maltese Cross is also known as Jerusalem Cross and Flower of Bristol and is found across Kazakhstan, Mongolia, northwest of China, and some parts of Russia. The flower adds vibrancy to the garden and is widely used for decorations. Maltese Cross has earned the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Horticultural Society due to its ornamental characteristics. 

Maltese Cross – A Decorative Plant for the Garden

• Maltese Cross is a perennial herbaceous plant that can go grow tall up to 1.1-3 feet in height. It is a popular ornamental plant that people prefer to have in their gardens. 
• The flower earned its name due to the cross-shaped design having four and five petals. They grow in clusters and thrust an enlightening show to the garden enhancing its glory. 

Maltese Cross or Jerusalem Cross is easy to grow as the seeds germinate within two weeks. It needs sunny weather, alongside well-drained soils to grow flowers of varied colors – bright red to orange-red, white, or pink.

Ideal condition to grow Maltose Cross

• Maltose Cross needs sunny weather to bloom in its full glory. Full exposure to sunlight will grow the flowers bushier while leggy and long flowers for the shaded regions. 
• The plant requires well-drained soils that are slightly alkaline or acidic in nature. An average or moist soil texture having a pH level of 6.5-7.5 is ideal for Jerusalem Cross. 
• Evenly moist soil is suitable for Maltose Cross. It needs periodic watering during summers making it ideal as a garden plant. 
• Windy weather suits the flower and is also favored as it is drought tolerant. 
• The Mediterranean climate is favorable for the flower and it can even thrive at a temperature above 900 F. Jerusalem Cross prefers light winter and humid temperatures to grow at its best. 
• A fertile soil texture having neutral, acidic, or alkaline texture is enough for Maltose Cross to grow at full bloom. It does not need frequent feeding of compost unlike other plants, an occasional feeding is sufficient. 

In the middle of summer, if the old stems are cut, it enables Jerusalem Cross to grow afresh during the spring. The reseeding process helps the plant to grow more intensively. The seeds of the plant can be easily transplanted from a nursery or a garden to grow at their full beauty during spring.

Uniqueness of Maltose Cross

• Maltose Cross is an all-time favorite flower for gardeners and flower lovers. It is easy to grow and requires low maintenance. 
• The flower blooms at its best during the summers, especially from early to late summers. Sunny weather is ideal for its growth, though can sustain in a shady area. 
• Maltose cross does not attract any sort of cattle or animals like rabbits or deer. It can bring butterflies and birds like the hummingbirds in the garden uplifting the aura of the place.
  • Maltose Cross is best for exotic places like coastal gardens, meadows, cottage gardens, perennial borders, and wild gardens. 
  • The plants can also be grown indoors in containers with germ-free potting soil. The container is exposed to the sunlight in the room to grow evenly. It enhances the beauty of the room adequately. 
  • Maltose Cross does not attract any sort of disease. So the flower is fairly human-friendly and the kids love its vibrant color. 

  Growing the Maltose Cross

• The average height of the plant is around 2 feet. It can be located from a distance adding panache to the place. 
• Pruning is an effective way to regrow the plant for the spring. The old stems are cut and regrown to grow the Maltose Cross plant in a garden, meadow, or at any preferable place. 
• The plant can be propagated using the seeds in a cold-framed pot as it rips. The basal cutting is another suitable method to regrow the plant and enjoy its optimal beauty. 
• Maltose Cross is a resilient plant and can sustain the harsh winters without any kind of additional maintenance. The gardener can use the prune dead leaves, flowers, and stems during the winter to reap and grow the plants sufficiently in the spring.