Centranthus ruber
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
24"–36" H × 18"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
A bushy, clump-forming perennial with fleshy blue-green leaves and dense rounded clusters of small star-shaped flowers held above the foliage on upright stems. Flowers open pink to deep rose, occasionally white, blooming in repeat flushes from late spring through summer when spent heads are trimmed back.
In an HOA neighborhood
is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: cottage garden borders, rock gardens, mixed perennial beds, dry slopes and banks.
- Self-seeds readily and can spread beyond the planting area if flower heads are not deadheaded
- Considered a garden escape or invasive plant in some mild coastal climates outside this region
Wildlife value
The nectar-rich flower clusters draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season, and keep blooming in hot, dry stretches when fewer other perennials are still flowering.
Common questions
- How much sun does need?
- grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does bloom?
- blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
- What pollinators does attract?
- draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Is HOA-friendly?
- is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.