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Position

Sun Exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in Border:
Front, middle

Soil

Acidic / Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist

London Pride, Lychnis chalcedonica, is also known as Maltese Cross or Jerusalem Cross, owing to its cross-shaped summer blooms. Native to Russia but brought to Britain by the Knights of Malta, it’s a hardy species, bearing clusters of dazzling scarlet-orange red flowers on sturdy stems, in contrast with bright green foliage. It makes a fantastic feature in a sunny garden, where it attracts a variety of bees and butterflies. It makes an excellent cut flower.

Grow Lychnis chalcedonica in full sun in moisture retentive soil. Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering and propagate by division in spring.

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Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyesyes
Pruneyesyes

Lychnis ‘Chalcedonica’ and wildlife

Lychnis ‘Chalcedonica’ is known for attracting bees and butterflies/moths. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Lychnis ‘Chalcedonica’ poisonous?

Lychnis ‘Chalcedonica’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
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