Centranthus ruber Albus is a wonderfully resilient perennial, producing white panicles for an exceptionally long flowering period.

The flowers are large, white panicles. Flowering takes place in early summer but will continue sporadically in cool summer areas, sometimes all the way into the fall.

The leaf form changes from the bottom to the top of the plant but is basically oval shaped.  The lower leaves are petiolate (with stalk) while the upper leaves are sessile (without stalk).

The foliage is deciduous – it will dry out in autumn and return with panache the following spring.

It grows in poor soil, high sun, dry environments and rock gardens – really a perfect partner!

👨‍🌾GARDENING TIPS👨‍🌾:

⚠️The seeds have tufts, similar to dandelions, allow for wind dispersal, and as such can self-seed freely and become invasive if not properly controlled.

• • To curtail the invasion, cut off the faded flowers before the plants to seed.

🌼This is what allows for it to peek through cracks and grow in old stone walls ( this is due to its ability to tolerate alkaline conditions and lime in mortar).

The Tale:

Only about 10% of individuals in the Centranthus ruber family have white blooms.

The typical color for this flower is a purplish red, sometimes a touch brighter.