The Maltese Cross is a tall, prolific, and stunning perennial, boasting clusters of vivid red flowers that bloom throughout the summer. Its longevity is a gift—especially to hummingbirds and other pollinators who return to it again and again. Beyond its beauty and ecological role, this plant carries a special legacy in my family. Each time I divide and share a piece of it with someone, I feel like I’m passing along more than just a flower—I’m offering a thread in a generational story rooted in memory, love, and connection.

Across the Generations

Although this beautiful red perennial can now be found in many gardens, the ones growing in my yard hold a special place in my heart. The precious seeds traveled with my great grandparents when they emigrated from the Ukraine to Canada in the early 1900’s. I remember my grandmother sharing with me that the flowers came from “the old country.” She grew them behind her house where they could be easily seen feeding her favorite hummingbirds from the dining room window. Settlers didn’t have cargo space for many luxury items, if any. Many women brought seeds with them – the plants a comforting reminder of home.

Hummingbird feeders have long been recognized as detrimental to the health of hummingbirds. The good news is there are other, healthier ways to attract the little lovelies to a yard space. I never put hummingbird feeders out, yet each year my yard in northern Alberta attracts many of these fascinating little birds. Watching them visit while I relax on my deck has become a favorite summer pastime. Alongside the delphiniums in one of my perennial beds, hummingbirds and bees from my nearby hives come by throughout the season, creating a lively, joyful scene.

Propagation & Sharing the Story

One of the most meaningful parts of growing the Maltese Cross is the opportunity to share it. It’s a hardy perennial and while seeds can be collected in late summer and started the following season, I’ve found the most reliable way to pass it on is by digging up a clump in the spring when the plants have just started showing through the soil or are just inches tall. The plant spreads prolifically, so there’s always a piece to give—without ever diminishing what remains.

I’ve shared clumps of it with loved ones, knowing they’ll not only enjoy its brilliant blooms, but also carry with them the story behind it—a story that’s personal, generational, and quietly powerful. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing it thrive in another garden, knowing it came from mine. Like an heirloom recipe or a cherished photo, each shared piece becomes part of a living memory.

A Garden of Stories and Memories

My grandmother loved the color red, and she loved hummingbirds. She also loved sharing stories, and I would often ask her to tell me one. Cultivating a space that supports these vibrant pollinators feels like honoring both her and the rich family history she shared with me. Sharing these plants and their stories with others keeps that legacy alive—rooting memory and meaning in gardens beyond my own. It’s a beautiful reminder that storytelling, like gardening, is about connection and growth across time.

Sharing the Maltese Cross isn’t just about passing on a flower—it’s about passing on a story. If you’d like to read more about the storytelling legacy that shaped me, you can find it here: A Storytelling Legacy: The Stories That Shape Me

Which flowers have you planted that the pollinators love? Please share in the comments below.

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