• Image of Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
    Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
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Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus'

Red Jupiter's Beard Valerian

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

Shop Available Centranthus

Item #: 8611

Zones: 4a to 8b

Dormancy: Winter

Height: 36" tall

Culture: Sun

Origin: Mediterranean Europe

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


We have long valued the Mediterranean Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' as a great garden perennial. 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 (NC), but Centranthus ruber continues producing flower spikes through the remainder of the summer and 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.