Overview

Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' is a plant with a columnar upright habit in the genus Centranthus, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with semi evergreen foliage. Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, gravel garden, coastal, wildlife gardens and flower borders and beds.

About

Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' is a columnar upright perennial in the Caprifoliaceae, notable for an extended summer flowering display. It is semi-evergreen and produces clusters of blooms from June to September. The cultivar prefers a sunny, south- or west-facing position in well-drained soil. It suits exposed coastal sites as well as sheltered garden corners.

In the garden

Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' is a cultivated form of Centranthus ruber in the Caprifoliaceae, carrying a columnar upright habit and semi-evergreen foliage. Flowering runs from June to September, making it valuable where sustained seasonal colour is needed. Position it in full sun on free-draining chalk, loam or sand with neutral to alkaline pH; poor drainage will reduce its performance. It tolerates both exposed and sheltered situations, and is rated H5 (hardy) for UK gardens, so it will withstand typical winter conditions where soil does not remain waterlogged. Choose a south- or west-facing aspect to maximise flowering. Use Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' in cottage and informal plantings, gravel and coastal gardens, or placed towards the back of flower borders and beds where its upright stems can show through. It also fits wildlife-oriented schemes and mixed beds where long summer bloom is required. For best effect plant in groups or singles where its prolonged June to September flowering can provide a consistent display.

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, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Gravel garden, Coastal, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus'

Propagation
Seed sown in spring
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus'?

Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' need?

Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' 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.

Is Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' hardy in the UK?

Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus'?

Seed sown in spring.