Plant of the Month July 2015

 

White Jupiter’s Beard

Centhranthus ruber albus

 

Also referred to as white valerian,
this perennial is at its best in early summer with a second flush in fall. Small, fragrant white flowers form a showy terminal cluster 2”-3” across. They rise on relaxed stems above bushy, clump forming foliage. I like to use them underneath roses to hide their ‘legs’, also to soften and harsh shapes in the garden. Butterflies love this plant.

This a tough plant that is easy to grow in average to poor soil, it prefers sun but also does well in partial shade. Growing to height of 24’-32”, it will reseed if flowers are not deadheaded, but the deadheading also creates a stronger second flush. Jupiters Beard is also available in a red/pink coloration and is both rabbit and deer resistant.

 

 

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