View Larger Maltese Cross

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon Upper Garden

  • Upper Garden

  • Hardiness Zones

    3 3 4 4b 5 5b 6 6b 7 7b 8 8b 9 9b USDA basemap

    Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

    map legend 3 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

    Bright orange flowers offer a sharp contrast to the pinks and purples that proliferate in the early summer border. Maltese cross reseeds fairly easily, but can be choked out by more aggressive perennials.

    Latin Name

    Lychnis chalcedonica


    Family

    Caryophyllaceae


    Also Known As

    Burning Love , Jerusalem Cross , Nonesuch , Meadow Campion


    Type of Plant

    Perennials Perennials

    Bloom Season

    June - July


    Seasons

    Summer Summer

    Specifications

    Max height Max Height: 3'
    Max spread Max Spread: 2'

    Uses

  • Flower Border

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun

    Attracted Wildlife

    Hummingbirds Hummingbirds

    Colors


    Native Range

    Asia


    History

    John Bartram of Philadelphia offered Maltese Cross in his 1770 catalog.


    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

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