About
A woody-based perennial, sometimes grown as a biennial, with grey-green leaves and dense clusters of crimson, pink or white, slightly aromatic flowers from late spring to autumn.
About the genus
Centranthus may be annuals or perennials, with usually simple, opposite leaves and terminal clusters of small, trumpet-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCoastal, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toEurope, Medit.
Care notes
CultivationGrow 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.
PruningCut down stems in autumn or if self-seeding is a problem then cut back hard in July after their first flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free