Centranthus
(from kentron, a spur, and anthos, a flower; in reference to the corolla being furnished with a spur at the base). ORD. Valerianeoe. Ornamental herbaceous plants. Flowers red or white, unilateral along the branches of the panicle, which is corymbose. Leaves undivided or pinnate. All the species are excellent for borders, growing in common garden soil, or on walls or rockwork; and are readily increased by seeds, which, for show annuals, should be sown in March.
C. angustifolius (narrow-leaved). fl. red, 1/2in. long; spur one-half shorter than the tube of the corolla. May to July. l. linear-lanceolate, quite entire. h. 1ft. to 2ft. South Europe, 1759. Hardy perennial. SYN. Valeriana angustifolia. (S. F. G. 29.) C. Calcitrapa (Caltrops-like). fl. white, tinged with red, rather panicled. May to July. l., radical ones ovate, entire, or lyrate; upper ones pinnatifid. h. 6in. to 1ft. South Europe, 1683. Hardy annual. SYN. Valeriana Calcitrapa. (S. F. G. 30.) C. macrosiphon (large-tubed).* fl. rosy-carmine, rather larger than those of C. ruber. July. l. glaucous. h. 2ft. Spain. An annual, of compact habit. (P. F. G. 67.) Of this there is a white-flowered variety. C. ruber (red).* Red Valerian. fl. red; spur one-half shorter than the tube; cymes dense, forming a handsome corymbose panicle. Summer. l. ovate or lanceolate; upper ones unequal at the base, toothed a little. h. 2ft. to 3ft. Europe (Britain). Perennial. There are several forms, including a white-flowered variety, of this species.