Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus'

We have long valued the Mediterranean Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' as a great garden perennial but have somehow failed to offer it in a while, so we're remedying the situation. For us, Jupiter's beard emerges in spring with glaucous green foliage adorning the base of the 3' tall flowering spikes that end with terminal clusters of tiny, reddish-pink, fragrant flowers. Peak flowering for us is May in NC, but Centranthus ruber continues producing flower spikes through the remainder of the summer when it is a magnet for butterflies. As with all Mediterranean plants, good drainage is key to success, along with soils that tend toward a neutral pH. Jupiter's beard seems to enjoy being divided every few years to stay vigorous. Centranthus ruber also makes a great cut flower, so plant plenty to have enough for arrangements.