Lychnis 'Scarlet'

Lychnis 'Scarlet': A Flash of Fire in the Summer Border

Vivid and unforgettable, Lychnis 'Scarlet' erupts in midsummer with brilliant red, star-shaped flowers held aloft on upright stems. This old-world favourite delivers intense colour and classic cottage charm, adding bold punctuation to sunny borders and pollinator plantings.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 30–45 cm, upright and bushy
• Flower Colour: Fiery scarlet red
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Mid-green, lance-shaped leaves in a tidy rosette and along flowering stems
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist but well-drained soil; tolerates average to lean garden soil

Uses and Benefits: Lychnis 'Scarlet' adds bold colour and upright form to sunny perennial borders, mixed cottage plantings, and pollinator gardens. Its striking blooms are a magnet for bees and butterflies, while its vivid red hue stands out beautifully against softer tones and fine-textured foliage. It blends beautifully into both traditional and modern plantings, where it delivers fiery midsummer impact.

Companion Plants: Pair Lychnis 'Scarlet' with Coreopsis 'Zesty Zinger', whose raspberry-pink flowers create a high-contrast, heat-loving display. Introduce Hemerocallis 'Chicago Apache' for added drama and rich, velvety red blooms that echo the lychnis tones. Complete the scene with Festuca 'Buddy Blue', whose silvery-blue foliage cools the palette and adds year-round texture at the base.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment and in extended dry periods. Deadhead to prolong flowering and prevent self-seeding if desired. Cut back after blooming to neaten appearance. Divide clumps in spring every few years to maintain vigour.

History: Lychnis 'Scarlet', also known as Maltese Cross or Jerusalem Cross, has been a staple in European gardens for centuries. Beloved for its intense red flowers and ease of growth, it remains a favourite for classic perennial borders and pollinator-friendly plantings.

Final Thoughts: With fiery colour and upright grace, Lychnis 'Scarlet' delivers midsummer brilliance and timeless charm—perfect for gardeners who want bold colour with effortless style.