Plant types

Plant styles

Planting conditions

Seasonal interest

Nurseries & Gardens

Photo by 4028mdk09

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Show all photos

Centranthus ruber

Also Known As

Centranthus ruber 'Pretty Betsy'
Jupiter's Beard
Pretty Betsy Jupiter's Beard
Pretty Betsy Red Valerian
Red Spur Valerian
Red Valarian

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 36"
W: 24"

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Centranthus ruber plant details

Centranthus ruber is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial with blue and green foliage. In fall, spring and summer burgundy and red flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Centranthus ruber

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: caprifoliaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 0 IN - 24 IN - wide, 0 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: burgundy and red blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, easy-to-grow, self-sowing, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Centranthus ruber

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Jupiter’s Beard is a well-branched, bushy,valued for its ability to produce, often in poor soils, a showy bloom of star-shaped crimson pink flowers from spring to frost. Very pollinator friendly.

By: Avant Gardens

Loose clumps of somewhat fleshy leaves and stems to two to three feet that are topped with clusters of long-lasting, red, star-shaped flowers. Drought tolerant.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

Native to the Mediterranean, red valerian thrives in well-drained poor alkaline soils and easily reseeds to fill difficult barren spots with gray-green foliage and plentiful flower heads composed of clustered starry florets. The rich rosy red color brightens up informal cottage gardens, lovely with mealy cup sage 'Henry Duelberg' and lavenders. Mid to late summer bloomer- a boon to migrating butterflies.

By: Select Seeds

From the ruins of Europe and the chalky cliffs of Dover to your garden's refuge, this age-old Mediterranean perennial is second-to-none for long showy summertime bloom. Clothed with glaucous and paired, stem-less blue-green leaves that the Sicilians once savored in their salads, the handsome bushy clump entices us with minute, deep carmine-red fragrant florets densely arranged in domed, cut-flower-perfect terminal clusters. Whether it's situated on slopes, amid stone walls, terrace cracks or the border, the boldly colored Red Valerian can endure most conditions except damp shade, and especially thrives in alkaline soil with little or moderate moisture. A good pruning ensures a repeat bloom, maintains a pleasing shape and prevents self-seeding.

By: Digging Dog Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Centranthus ruber

Photo of Centranthus ruber flower by 4028mdk09

View Full Size

By: 4028mdk09

This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

View Original Photo

Photo of Centranthus ruber foliage by Wouter Hagens

View Full Size

By: Wouter Hagens

I, the copyright holder of this work, release this work into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In some countries this may not be legally possible; if so: I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.

View Original Photo