London Pride, Lychnis chalcedonica, is also known as Maltese Cross or Jerusalem Cross, owing to its cross-shaped summer blooms. Native to Russia but brought to Britain by the Knights of Malta, it’s a hardy species, bearing clusters of dazzling scarlet-orange red flowers on sturdy stems, in contrast with bright green foliage. It makes a fantastic feature in a sunny garden, where it attracts a variety of bees and butterflies. It makes an excellent cut flower.
Grow Lychnis chalcedonica in full sun in moisture retentive soil. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering and propagate by division in spring.
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Lychnis and wildlife
Lychnis is known for attracting bees and butterflies/moths. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
