Blood Red Maltese Cross

Blood Red rose campion is a short-lived perennial with deep crimson flowers above silvery, felted foliage. The Royal Horticultural Society describes its branching blooms in late summer and recommends full sun for the best flower color. ## Site and soil Use it in a sunny border, gravel garden, or cottage planting where well-drained soil is available. It tolerates partial shade, though flowers may be less vivid there. The RHS lists chalk, loam, and sand as suitable soil types and also suggests coastal and courtyard gardens. ## Growing habit Upright stems carry the flowers above a clump of narrow, silver-white leaves. This biennial or short-lived perennial can be grown from seed, and basal softwood cuttings may be taken in spring. ## Maintenance Deadhead spent blooms to extend flowering. Watch for slugs and aphids, which may damage young growth, and avoid leaving the crown in waterlogged soil. [RHS profile for rose campion ‘Blood Red’](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/286306/lychnis-coronaria-blood-red/details).