Maltese Cross is a frost-hardy perennial flower that brings dramatic scarlet blooms to the garden from spring through summer, reaching a tidy 36 inches tall. This heirloom variety thrives in hardiness zones 4 through 4, making it reliable even in colder climates. Its vibrant flowers attract pollinators while its drought tolerance and deer resistance mean once established, it largely takes care of itself, flowering reliably year after year.
2
Full Sun
Moderate
4-4
36in H x 18in W
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Moderate
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Brilliant scarlet flowers bloom prolifically from March through August, creating a striking vertical accent in any garden. The plant tolerates drought beautifully once its roots establish, requires minimal fussing, and deer leave it alone. At 36 inches tall and just 12 to 18 inches wide, it fits neatly into borders without sprawling. Direct sown in mid-spring, it may even flower in its first year, rewarding patient gardeners with color sooner than expected.
Maltese Cross serves as a striking cut flower and a reliable garden ornamental, valued for its vibrant blooms in mixed borders and cottage gardens. The bright scarlet flowers appear throughout spring and early summer, providing continuous color when many other perennials are just getting started.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Surface sow and press the seeds in lightly, as they require light to germinate. Cover the seed tray with a humidity dome to retain moisture. Keep temperatures at 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect germination in 7 to 21 days. Seeds started indoors may flower in their first year.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date. Space plants 2 inches apart in rows 12 inches apart, or adjust spacing based on your garden design. Harden off plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week before planting.
Direct sow in mid-spring to early summer once soil is workable. Sow seeds on the surface and press them in lightly, providing the light they need to germinate.
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