The other day when I was experimenting with my new camera while out in the rain I discovered a perfect looking Maltese Cross bloom. I took several photographs of it, getting closer and closer as I did.

The cluster of flowers is actually only an inch or so in diameter so you can imagine just how close I was zooming in to get this close up.

Don’t the petals actually have a bit of a plasticized look to them?

The Maltese cross is a great plant to grow. It’s fairly hardy. I think it’s a zone 3 or 4 plant. The plant grows tall stalks that develop flower buds on their tips which develop into clusters of flowers as shown above. There’s often 20+ stalks at a time.

My Maltese Cross plants bloom at least twice a year. Usually in late June to early July and then I cut down the stalks when the flowers are finished. The plant then blooms once more in late August or early September. The flowers tend to last for about two weeks at a time.

Gardeners, Plant and Nature lovers can join in every Sunday, visit As the Garden Grows for more information.