SILENE chalcedonica
Medium
Part shade
Sun
Red
Moisture retentive soil
Summer
RHS Award of Garden Merit
Pollinator friendly
Description
Silene chalcedonica
Height x Spread: 80cm x 50cm
With its domed clusters of flat, cross-like flowers each a vivid scarlet red, it is easy to see how this perennial earnt its nickname 'Maltese Cross'. Said to have been brought to this country by the 'Knights of Malta', it is deservedly popular for its strikingly fresh colour combination of a 'proper red' flower and bright green foliage - as well as its reliable performance in the garden.
Upright like soldiers on parade, this cottage garden stalwart needs a moist soil in full sun or part shade to thrive. An excellent cut flower, combine it with Liatris and Lythrum salicaria 'Blush' for a rich colour combo' or Astilbe 'Hennie Graafland' and Lythrum alatum for a gentle harmonious vibe. Regular deadheading will prolong its flowering.
Synonyms. Lychnis chalcedonica
Rosy's Colour Picks
ARUNCUS dioicus
A spectacular and statuesque plant producing masses of creamy-white flowers in feathery plumes erupting from mounds of deeply cut green leaves. Its flowering time is mid summer, its foliage looking
LYTHRUM salicaria 'Blush'
Lyrthrum salicaria is commonly known as Purple Loosestrife. Lance-shaped, soft green leaves cover upright red stems, which bear spikes of soft pink flowers during midsummer.
LIATRIS spicata 'Kobold'
Liatris spicata, commonly known as Button Snakewort, is a clump-forming perennial with a bushy habit. Available for Mail Order from April - August
ASTILBE 'Hennie Graafland' (simplicifolia hybrid)
A compact, neat form of Astilbe bearing fluffy, feather-like plumes of delicate pale pink with very finely divided leaves. Bronze tinted on initial appearance, they turn dark green as they mature.