Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Lychnis chalcedonica

Lychnis chalcedonica

9.9
A garden plant that lives for several years with bright red flowers in tight groups often called Maltese cross
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Lychnis chalcedonica
  • In early summer, the dense scarlet blooms of Lychnis chalcedonica create a striking display.

Examples

  • Gardeners often plant Lychnis chalcedonica to attract butterflies and add bright color to borders.

  • The vibrant flowers of Lychnis chalcedonica make it a favorite in cottage gardens.

  • The Lychnis chalcedonica blooms beautifully in the summer.

  • Have you seen the Lychnis chalcedonica in the garden?

  • The bright scarlet flowers of Lychnis chalcedonica bloom in dense clusters, making it a popular choice for any garden.

  • Many gardeners choose Lychnis chalcedonica for its stunning red flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

  • The perennial plant Lychnis chalcedonica thrives in sunny borders, showcasing its vibrant scarlet blooms throughout the summer.

Synonyms

maltese cross
vsLychnis chalcedonica
9.9

A garden plant with clusters of bright red flowers

is the scientific species name rather than the common garden name
scarlet lychnis
vsLychnis chalcedonica
9.9

A garden plant with bright red flowers in tight groups

emphasizes formal identification rather than ornamental use

Surface Forms

Lychnis chalcedonica singular
Lychnis chalcedonicas plural

Morphology

lychnis + chalcedonica

This is a Latin binomial botanical name functioning as an arbitrary label for a species; its specific meaning ('a scarlet-flowered perennial called Maltese cross') is not compositionally derivable from the parts. The second element is not an English lexical item and even knowing 'lychnis' as a flowering herb would not allow a B1 learner to infer the exact species identity or appearance, so the expression is opaque.

Etymology

Lychnis chalcedonica is often called the Maltese cross because each flower's five petals join into a small cross or star shape. The bright red clusters really look like little red crosses, so the name helps you remember the plant and its flowers.