Centranthus ruber
Perennial

USDA Zones: 4 - 8
Light: sun
Height:  2 to 3 feet
Width:  1 to 2 feet
Flower Colors: deep reds and pinks; white
Bloom Time: late spring - summer
Special Features:
Attracts Butterflies
Beds/Borders
Cutting
Drought Tolerant
Easy to Grow
Flowers
Foundation Plantings
Self-Sowing
Tolerates Drought
Companion Plants:
Basket-of-gold (Aurinia saxatilis)

Jupiter's beard is a great plant for the middle or back of a perennial garden as well as for rock gardens, producing numerous sprays of tiny, sweetly fragrant white, pink, crimson, or red flowers from late spring to early summer. In areas with mild winters, blooming begins in early spring. Jupiter's beard is an easy-to-grow, bushy plant that can reach 24 inches tall. Flowers are borne on upright stems with waxy, pointed, blue-green leaves, 4 inches long. Jupiter's beard readily self-sows in some conditions, so it should be kept under control in formal gardens or allowed to fill cracks and crevices in rock and cottage gardens.

Notable Varieties
'Albus' produces ivory-white flowers.
'Coccineus' bears deep rose-red blossoms .

Care
Plant in full or partial shade in well-drained, neutral to alkaline, infertile soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Deadhead to promote repeat blooms.

Planting
Plant established plants 12 to 15 inches apart in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil. Divide in spring or fall to maintain true flower colors.

Pests and Diseases
Not susceptible to most pests or diseases.