Silene chalcedonica SEEDS

Description

Silene chalcedonica seeds grow into the Maltese cross or burning love a perennial herb native to the temperate biome of Russia (central and eastern Russia) and western Siberia, now widely naturalised in Europe and cultivated as a garden plant since at least the 16th century. Described by Linnaeus. The epithet chalcedonica means ‘of Chalcedon’ (ancient city near Constantinople). Formerly classified as Lychnis chalcedonica; POWO now places it in Silene. Produces distinctive, flat-topped clusters of vivid scarlet-red flowers whose 45 deeply notched petals form a perfect Maltese cross pattern. Family Caryophyllaceae.

Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soils; cool to warm temperate conditions; cold-hardy. Classic cottage garden perennial. Vivid scarlet Maltese cross flowerheads.

• ‘Chalcedonica’ = of Chalcedon; formerly Lychnis chalcedonica; POWO = Silene; Linnaeus
• Vivid scarlet Maltese-cross flowers; cultivated since 16th century; classic cottage garden perennial
• Russia and W. Siberia temperate biome; widely naturalised Europe; cold-hardy
• Genus Silene ~800 species; Family Caryophyllaceae
• Full sun to partial shade; moist soils; cold-hardy; cottage garden; Family Caryophyllaceae

Silene chalcedonica is the Maltese cross a classic cottage garden perennial cultivated in European gardens since crusaders reportedly brought it from Constantinople in the 16th century, its vivid scarlet flowerheads with their perfectly formed Maltese cross petals one of the most cheerful and historic ornamental perennials of the temperate garden.

IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.