Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Centranthus ruber (L.) DC.

Fully hardy, clump-forming, woody-based perennial with dense cymes of small, funnel-shaped, fragrant, white, pink or crimson flowers from late spring to late summer.  Self-seeds freely.  To 1m.  [RHSE, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

Ancient garden plant of some medicinal value in the past.  Figured in English Botany.  ‘In chalk-pits, railway cuttings, and on old walls.  Perfectly naturalized in the South of England, and imperfectly so in the Northern counties and a few places in Scotland.’  [English Botany vol.4, pl.DLXIV/1863-86].

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues as Centranthus ruber [H.54/1843] and in the 1845, 1850 and 1857 catalogues as Valeriana ruber [H.227/1845].

Notes

Published Feb 06, 2009 - 05:15 PM | Last updated Aug 01, 2010 - 03:04 PM

Figured are toothed leaves and dense cyme of rose-coloured flowers.  English Botany pl.DLXIV, 1863-86.

Centranthus ruber (L.) DC. | English Botany pl.DLXIV/1863-86 | BHL

Family Valerianaceae
Category
Region of origin

Southern Europe and north Africa but widely naturalised in Britain

Synonyms
  • Valeriana rubra L.
Common Name

Red valerian, Rosaed valerian, Spur valerian, Plum pudding, Jupiter?s beard, Kiss-me-quick

Name in the Camden Park Record

Centranthus ruber

Valeriana ruber

Confidence level high