Overview
Centranthus ruber is a columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Centranthus, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Centranthus ruber grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. It is attractive to pollinators and drought resistant. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, gravel garden and mediterranean climate plants. It is native to Europe and Medit..
About
Centranthus ruber is a perennial plant with a woody base that can occasionally be treated as a biennial. It features grey-green foliage and produces compact clusters of flowers that can be crimson, pink, or white. These blooms are subtly fragrant and appear from late spring through autumn.
About the genus
Centranthus can be either annuals or perennials, characterized by typically simple, opposite leaves and clusters of small, trumpet-shaped blooms arranged at the tips of the stems.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Centranthus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Centranthus ruber size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants
- Native to
- Europe, Medit.
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Centranthus ruber
- Cultivation
- Grow in a well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile, ideally a chalky or stony soil. Good drought resistance; thrives on walls and in coastal gardens. Needs full sun to flower well.
- Pruning
- Cut down stems in autumn or if self-seeding is a problem then cut back hard in July after their first flowering
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Centranthus ruber?
Grow in a well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile, ideally a chalky or stony soil. Good drought resistance; thrives on walls and in coastal gardens. Needs full sun to flower well.
Where is the best place to plant Centranthus ruber?
Centranthus ruber prefers full sun. It suits exposed positions.
What soil does Centranthus ruber need?
Centranthus ruber is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How do I prune Centranthus ruber?
Cut down stems in autumn or if self-seeding is a problem then cut back hard in July after their first flowering.
How big does Centranthus ruber grow?
Centranthus ruber reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Centranthus ruber hardy in the UK?
Centranthus ruber has a UK hardiness rating of H5.
How do I propagate Centranthus ruber?
Propagate by seed sown in spring.
Is Centranthus ruber good for pollinators?
Yes — Centranthus ruber attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.