Jerusalem Cross

Did you know

• Each individual floret has four notched petals that form a cross shape — the origin of both its common and symbolism.
• Legend claims Crusaders brought the plant back from the Holy Land, though it is actually native to Russia and western Asia.
• Its intense scarlet color was so vivid to medieval gardeners that it earned names like 'burning love' and 'flower of Bristol.'
• Jerusalem cross has been cultivated in European gardens since at least the 13th century, making it one of the oldest garden perennials.
• The genus name Lychnis comes from the Greek 'lychnos' (lamp), because the felted leaves were once used as candle wicks.

Color meanings

Uses

• cottage gardens
• perennial borders
• cut flowers
• historical gardens