Description
Harvested from the gardens at Monticello. This early summer-blooming deer resistant perennial that bears tight clusters of bright scarlet, cross-shaped flowers. It was an early import to the American colonies, and was listed in Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon's 1804 broadsheet as "Scarlet Lychnis." Thomas Jefferson sowed Maltese Cross into one of the oval beds at Monticello in 1807. These striking flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Jefferson-documented: This plant was documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.
Native Distribution: Southeastern Europe
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date at 70 degrees F. Transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and transplant outdoors into well-drained soil after the last frost. Approximately 120-140 seeds per packet.
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