Alabaster Maltese Cross is a frost-hardy heirloom flower that brings an unexpected twist to the classic Lychnis chalcedonica story. Unlike the vibrant scarlet form that gardeners have grown for centuries, this cultivar delivers pure white blooms on sturdy 36-inch stems from spring through summer, thriving in zones 4 and colder. Reaching just 12 to 18 inches wide, it slots neatly into borders and cottage gardens, blooming reliably with minimal fussing once established.
2
Full Sun
Moderate
4-4
36in H x 18in W
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Moderate
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The pure white flowers stop visitors in their tracks, offering a cool, elegant alternative to the traditional fiery red Maltese cross. Blooming from March straight through August, this variety supplies months of nectar for pollinators and deer leave it untouched. Once its roots establish, it shrugs off dry spells and needs little more than full sun and moderately moist soil to thrive.
Alabaster Maltese Cross serves as a cutting flower for late spring and summer arrangements, and anchors the middle layer of perennial borders with its tall, narrow profile. The abundant blooms attract butterflies and other pollinators throughout the growing season.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date, pressing them lightly onto the surface of moist soil (they need light to germinate). Cover with a humidity dome to retain moisture and keep the soil at 65 to 70°F. Germination typically takes 7 to 21 days. Starting indoors may allow the plant to bloom in its first year if conditions are favorable.
Harden off seedlings gradually before moving them outdoors after the last frost date. Space plants 2 inches apart in a sunny location with well-draining soil amended with compost.
Direct sow seeds mid-spring to early summer by pressing them lightly onto the soil surface. Keep the seedbed consistently moist until germination, which takes 7 to 21 days at 65 to 75°F.
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