Lychnis Chalcedonica

Lychnis Chalcedonica Description

Unwins Lychnis Chalcedonica Seeds are an RHS Award of Garden Merit variety that produce tall stems of stunning red, star-shaped flowers to brighten up your summer garden.

Also known as Maltese Cross, this award-winning hardy perennial thrives in damp soils and wet areas so is great for planting by the side of ponds.

It is pollinator friendly and with regular deadheading, you will see continuous displays of vibrant colour throughout the summer months.

• RHS AGM
• Prefers full sun

Sow: February to April
Flowering: June to July

Sowing
Level fill a module tray with seed compost, firming with the base of another tray. Water well with a fine rose. Sow seeds individually over the surface and gently press down. Place in a propagator at 20-25 C or cover the tray with cling film and leave in a warm room. Do not exclude light, and allow 2-3 weeks for germination.

Growing On
When shoots appear, remove cling film or ventilate the propagator. Keep seedlings in a light position but shade from direct sunlight. Maintain a minimum temperature of 10 C.

Hardening Off / Planting Out
Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out when the risk of frost has passed. Allow 30 cm between plants. Water well until established. Suitable for sun or part shade in damp soils.

Aftercare
Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and prevent unwanted self-seeding. In autumn, cut back to just above ground level.

Advice
Early sowings will flower the same year.