High Country Gardens
Maltese Cross (Silene)
Best low-maintenance perennial for gardeners seeking vibrant, pollinator-friendly blooms.
The award-winning Maltese Cross (Silene chalcedonica) is a vibrant perennial that brings scarlet-orange blooms to your garden in early summer. This easy-to-grow plant, known for its lush foliage and long-lived appeal, is perfect for cottage gardens, perennial beds, or smaller spaces. It not only attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies but also serves as beautiful cut flowers. Its resistance to deer and rabbits makes it a practical and charming addition to any landscape, offering reliable color and interest year after year.
$10.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
848
/ 2577
#848 in Flowers
Price vs Category Average
-73%
Below average
Life Cycle
Perennial
/ Perennial
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a bold, high-impact focal point
- Low-maintenance landscapers in dry or challenging climates
- Conservationists looking to support local hummingbirds and butterflies
Who should skip it
- Designers prioritizing year-round, pristine foliage aesthetics
- Gardeners wanting a low-effort, non-spreading plant
- Busy homeowners who prefer hands-off garden maintenance
Performance breakdown
Pollinator Appeal
A reliable magnet for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds all summer long.
Pest Resistance
Robust defense against deer and rabbits keeps your garden beds intact.
Maintenance Ease
Simple care requirements make this a stress-free choice for any gardener.
Visual Impact
Striking scarlet-orange blooms provide a bold, high-contrast focal point.
Hardiness Range
Thrives across a wide variety of climates from zones three through nine.
Cut Flower Utility
Sturdy stems and vibrant color translate beautifully into indoor floral arrangements.
Key Specs
Life Cycle
Perennial
Watering Needs
Moderate to High
Flower Species
Silene chalcedonica
Light Requirement
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Bloom Season
Summer
Growth Habit
Mounding
Mature Height
36-48 inches tall
Mature Spread
12 inches wide
Features
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Resistant to deer and rabbits
- Blooms with vibrant scarlet-orange flowers
- Ideal for cottage gardens and small spaces
- Provides long-lasting garden interest
- Easy to grow and maintain
- Suitable for use as cut flowers
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional reliability and quality of the Maltese Cross plants received from High Country Gardens. Reviewers frequently note the plants arrive healthy and establish quickly, even in challenging environments, confirming their hardiness. The vibrant, true scarlet color is a major draw, exceeding expectations for visual impact. This Silene variety proves to be a robust, low maintenance perennial that returns reliably year after year, making it a highly valued addition to the garden.
Know before you buy
Since this plant has a mounding habit and a mature spread of about 12 inches, you should space them roughly 12 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and growth.
Yes, it performs best in well-drained, moist soil. Ensure your planting site does not stay waterlogged, as good drainage is essential for the health of this perennial.
The Maltese Cross is quite hardy and is suitable for USDA zones 3 through 9. It is well-adapted to cold climates and will return reliably each year within these zones.
For the best flowering results, plant it in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. While it can handle some shade, more sunlight generally encourages more vibrant and abundant blooms.
Absolutely. The Maltese Cross makes an excellent cut flower, allowing you to bring its vibrant scarlet-orange color from your garden into your home.
No, this plant is naturally resistant to both deer and rabbits. It is a great choice if you are looking for a low-maintenance option that won't be targeted by common garden pests.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$11