This old-fashioned garden favorite was planted in Thomas Jefferson’s gardens at Monticello. Its brilliant display of round, orange-red flower heads atop tall stems lend grace to the back garden border or informal wildflower landscapes. Also called Jerusalem cross or burning love flower. Very easy to grow, drought tolerant, and deer resistant. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Planting & Harvesting

Seed Depth: surface

Spacing: 6″ (15cm)

Sprouts In: 10-21 days

Thinning: 12-15″ (30-38cm)

Sow seeds in early spring, as soon as soil can be worked, in rich, well-drained soil and full sun. Will tolerate partial shade. Press seeds lightly into soil; they require light to germinate. Or start indoors 6-8 weeks prior to last spring frost date. Water consistently but lightly. Plants do not perform well in wet soil. Mulch well.

Remove spent flowers to encourage more blossoms. Blooms may not appear until second year.

Additional Information

Botanical Name: Lychnis chalcedonica

Height: 3-4′ (1-1.2m)

Bloom Period: summer

Type: perennial