How big does Maltese cross grow?

About 90 cm × 40 cm after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.6–1.2 m × 30–50 cm.

What soil does Maltese cross grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, sandy, calcareous.

Is Maltese cross hardy?

Hardy down to -34 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

How much water does Maltese cross need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

Maltese cross

Lychnis chalcedonica

Maltese cross (Lychnis chalcedonica) is a perennial that reaches 90 cm × 40 cm after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -34 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €3.90.

Illustration of Maltese cross — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

An old cottage garden perennial that carries flat domes of vivid scarlet flowers on tall, straight stems in early summer; butterflies and bees visit it readily. In rich, moist soil the stems can flop, so give them support, and water in dry spells. It is not long-lived, but it renews itself from seed if you leave a few spent heads on the plant.

Watch out for

It is short-lived, and wet, poorly drained soil shortens its life further. In the hot, dry summers of Central Europe it wilts quickly without watering and flowers for a shorter time. The tall stems flop in wind and in rich soil. Aphids and slugs can damage it; it has hardly any diseases.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 90 cm × 40 cm
Hardiness: down to -34 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–August, red

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	90 cm × 40 cm
Ultimate size	0.6–1.2 m × 30–50 cm
Hardiness	down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Sandy, Calcareous
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–August, red
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no data
Spreading	Medium
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	40 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €3.90

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €3.90

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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