Lychnis Chalcedonica 'Carnea'

Now accepted as Silene chalcedonica 'Carnea', this softer form of Maltese cross carries dense domed heads of coral to salmon-pink flowers above rough green leaves and stiff upright stems. Each small bloom has four deeply notched lobes arranged like a cross, a shape behind old names such as Jerusalem cross and knight's cross. Flowering in early and midsummer, it attracts bees and butterflies and supplies strong stems for cutting. The warm, unusual colouring combines beautifully with deep blue, burgundy and silver foliage in cottage or prairie-style borders.