Also known as spur valerian, kiss-me-quick, fox’s brush, and devil’s beard, this herbaceous perennial or subshrub is native to the Mediterranean area. It is a member of the honeysuckle family, Caprifoliaceae, that also includes weigelia, scabiosa, and abelia. Plants form a clump 2-3′ tall, have a woody base, and are well branched. The fleshy leaves are lance-shaped, green to gray-green, and up to 4″ long. Lower leaves have petioles while upper leave are sessile. From late spring into summer dense terminal clusters of small, star-shaped flowers appear. Each flower has a spur and 5 fused petals that are usually dark red or purple-red but may be pink, lavender or white. They are attractive to butterflies and other pollinators and are good in the vase. Seed heads resemble those of dandelions. The genus name, Centranthus, comes from the Greek words κέντρον (kentron) meaning spur, and ἄνθος (anthos) meaning flower, and refers to the spurred flowers of plants in the genus. The specific epithet, rubra, is the Latin word meaning red and refers to the most common color of the flowers.
Type: Herbaceous perennial or subshrub
Bloom: Red or white flowers in late spring-summer.
Size: 24”-36” H x 24” x 36” W.
Light: Full sun to partial shad; resents heat and humidity and appreciates some shade in zones 7 and hotter.
Soil: Prefers average, limy, well-drained soil but tolerates less.
Hardiness: Zones 5-9.
Care: Remove flowers as soon as they finish flowering for rebloom.
Pests and Diseases: Can develop mildew if the leaves are wet at night so water in the morning to allow drying time. Mealy bugs and aphids can be a problem.
Propagation: Readily self sows; basal cutting in spring.
Companion plants: Blue iris, catmints, salvias, and veronicas.
Outstanding Selections: Centranthus ruber var. albus (white), C. ruber var. coccineus (deep red) C. ruber var. roseus (rose).
Comments: Tolerates drought, and salt spray.
Karen