Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle

Soil

Succeeds on poor soil:
Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Centranthus ruber is a delightful perennial wildflower, bearing grey-green leaves and dense clusters of crimson, pink or white, slightly fragrant flowers from late spring to autumn. It's incredibly easy to grow and is a magnet for pollinators.

Centranthus ruber var. coccineus is slightly more compact than the species, and has cherry red flowers. It makes an excellent cut flower.

Plants look best grown en masse on banks or when allowed to self-seed in walls and paving, where they create a delightful random, natural effect. A background of stone gives them an ideal setting, or they can be teamed with other cottage garden flowers in a border, such as lime-loving gypsophila, pinks and scabious.

For best results grow Centranthus ruber var. coccineus in well-drained soil in full sun.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyes
Divideyesyes
Collect seedsyesyes

Centranthus and wildlife

Centranthus is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Centranthus poisonous?

Centranthus has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Centranthus ruber
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement