Lychnis chalcedonica, the Maltese Cross, is a plant with a genuine old-world presence, bold, upright, and absolutely unmistakable in bloom. In early to midsummer, tall, sturdy stems are topped with dense, domed clusters of brilliant scarlet-orange flowers, each tiny bloom intricately cut into the distinctive cross shape that gives the plant its common name. The effect is vivid, architectural, and wonderfully dramatic against a sea of softer summer colors.

A hardy perennial that returns reliably in zones 3-9, Maltese Cross is a tough and long-lived garden plant that asks for very little: full sun to part sun, regular water, and room to make an impression. It's deer resistant, attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies in abundance, and makes a striking cut flower with real staying power in the vase.

Plant it where you need vertical drama at the back of a mixed border, rising through cottage plantings, or massed for a bold, fiery statement. Pair it with cool blues and purples for maximum contrast, or let it set the whole border ablaze. A classic worth growing.

We guarantee that the plants we sell are healthy and viable at the time they leave our care.

If a plant arrives in substandard condition, please take clear photographs and contact us within 48 hours of delivery. To ensure eligibility under this guarantee, we strongly encourage you to open and unpack your shipment immediately upon delivery and inspect the plants thoroughly.

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$14.99 flat rate for up to 6 plants is for standard FedEx/UPS Ground shipping to eligible states only. $19.99 for up to 12 plants. Plants being shipped to the following states are sent via Express Mail to help ensure they arrive quickly and healthy. 

(AL, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TN, VT, VA, WV)
(list of states subject to change seasonally due to extreme heat or cold conditions)

We cannot ship Annie's Annuals plants to P.O. boxes or outside the continental U.S.

Individual plants are shipped in 4" pots and we ship in boxes of 4, 6, 8, or 12 plants per box.

For more details, read our full Ordering and Shipping Policies

Get your plants off to a strong start with our care guide.

Download the Plant Care Guide (PDF)