Maltese Cross (Silene)

Silene chalcedonica (Maltese Cross) is an herbaceous perennial with lush green foliage topped by round clusters of scarlet-orange flowers. Easy to grow and long-lived, it adds bold splashes of color through the garden. Recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit, it is a low-maintenance perennial with a long season of interest. Butterflies flock to the flowers, as do bees and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbits stay away. Plant Maltese Cross in a sunny location (afternoon shade is tolerated) in average, well-draining soil with moderate to moist moisture. Once established, it is somewhat more drought tolerant. Native to Eurasia, it was brought to the American colonies in the early 1800s. Thomas Jefferson planted it in an oval bed in Monticello in 1807 as documented in his Garden Book. The rest is history!