Centranthus ruber Coccineus Peltoboykinia Despite its long bloom period

Despite its long bloom period it rarely looks shabby

'Fortunei' type clumps are topped with 2' tall scapes of lavender flowers in late spring

Compared to our Texas and Oklahoma collections

roadside ditches

the sturdy clumps are topped with dramatic and very attractive purple flower buds which open later to reveal lavender flowers atop 3' scapes

Centranthus ruber Coccineus Peltoboykinia Despite its long bloom periodWe 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