SCARLET O HARA MALTESE CROSS

The Lychnis 'Scarlet O'Hara' is more commonly known as Scarlet O'Hara Maltese Cross. It is a beautiful perennial known for its vivid, star-shaped, scarlet flowers and dark, maroon-purple tinted foliage. Bred by Peter Moore, this cultivar often brings to mind the actress from the film Gone with the Wind due to its spirited and dramatic coloring. It boasts a compact and even growth habit, with sturdy stems typically reaching 12 to 15 inches in height and a similar spread. The combination of the brightly colored blooms and the dark leaves make it decorative even before its flowering period, which usually runs from June through October. It is ideal for small gardens, borders, or container gardening on a patio.

Lychnis 'Scarlet O'Hara' should be planted in a location that receives full sun, though in very hot summer areas, it may benefit from some afternoon shade. It thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. While the plant is hardy, young plants at the beginning of the season may need protection from slugs. Watering should be regular during establishment and extended dry periods to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. To encourage continued blooming, it is beneficial to deadhead the spent flowers. The plant is considered low-maintenance, and cutting it back after the first flush of flowers can promote a reblooming cycle.