Maltese cross (Silene chalcedonica, J.Sturm, Deutschl. Fl. Abbild., ed. 2, 5: 96 (1901))

Family: Caryophyllaceae

Author: (L.) E.H.L.Krause

Bibliography: J.Sturm, Deutschl. Fl. Abbild., ed. 2, 5: 96 (1901)

Year: 1901

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Silene

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Europe to Siberia and China (Gansu)

Description

The Maltese cross, scientifically known as Silene chalcedonica, is a captivating and vibrant perennial plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family. Renowned for its striking red flowers, this ornamental species has captivated gardeners and plant enthusiasts for centuries.

The Maltese cross boasts a rich botanical history, with its details meticulously documented by J. Sturm in the early 20th century. Specifically, it was highlighted in the second edition of “Deutschl. Fl. Abbild.” in 1901. The taxonomy of this plant was further refined by L. (Linnaeus) and later consolidated by the botanist E.H.L. Krause.

Native to Eastern Europe, the range of Silene chalcedonica extends far beyond, reaching into the vast expanse of Siberia and into the province of Gansu in China. This broad geographic distribution underscores its adaptability and resilience in various climates and soil types.

The Maltese cross is easily recognizable by its bold red blooms arranged in dense clusters, which can add a striking touch of color to any garden. The flowers of Silene chalcedonica are often associated with the traditional emblem of the Maltese cross, which perhaps lends the common name to this plant. Its lance-shaped leaves form a robust base, supporting stems that can reach up to 80 centimeters in height, creating an impressive display during the flowering season.

This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring well-drained soils. It is relatively easy to cultivate and is prized for its long-lasting blooms, which typically appear from late spring to early summer. Gardeners often use the Maltese cross in borders, cottage gardens, and mixed flower beds, where its vivid red coloration can contrast beautifully with other perennials.

With its historical roots, extensive native range, and stunning floral display, the Maltese cross stands out as both a botanical marvel and a gardener’s delight. Its ability to flourish across a range of environments makes it a versatile and cherished addition to any plant collection.

Common Names

Deu: brennende liebe
Eng: maltese cross, maltesecross, scarlet-lychnis, maltese-cross campion, maltese-cross, london pride, scarlet lychnis
Fra: croix de jérusalem, lychnide de chalcédoine, silène de chalcédoine, croix de malte, lampette de chalcédoine
Swe: studentnejlika
Cym: croes malta
En: Maltese Cross, Maltesecross, Scarlet-lychnis, Maltese-cross, Maltese-cross campion, London pride, Scarlet lychnis, Scarlet Lightning
Fr: Croix de Jérusalem, Lychnide de Chalcédoine, Silène de Chalcédoine, Croix de Malte, Lampette de Chalcédoine, Silène
De: Brennende Liebe, Scharlach-Lichtnelke
It: Crotonella scarlatta
Es: Cruz de Malta
Sv: Studentnejlika
Cy: Croes Malta

Synonyms

• Lychnis fulgida (Moench)
• Lychnis bicolor (Czerw. & L.Schwarz)
• Lychnis chalcedonica (L.)

Distribution

• Altay (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• South European Russi (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Alberta (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Indiana (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Manitoba (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• New Brunswick (introduced)
• New Hampshire (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• North European Russi (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Ontario (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Prince Edward I. (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Saskatchewan (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jun 28, 2019 by Mike Carney (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2019 by Mike Carney (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2019 by Inger Ødegaard (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 30, 2019 by Leonardos Leonardos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 14, 2019 by Karine Guay (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 28, 2020 by Nat Fauch (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 16, 2021 by Paulina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2019 by AnnA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2019 by Mike Carney (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2019 by Truxer Orry (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5584611)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:157059-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Silene chalcedonica (L.) E.H.L.Krause)

Specifications

Growth