An old cottage garden plant often seen growing on walls and dry, stony banks. Attractive fragrant, deep, coral-red flowers above bright green leaves. Height and Spread 60cm. Flowers April to August. Full sun. Hardy.
Centranthus ruber ‘Pretty Betsy’ is a delightful addition to any garden, offering fragrant coral-red flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. Its drought-tolerant nature and compact habit make it perfect for borders, walls, or stony banks. Follow this guide to help Centranthus ruber ‘Pretty Betsy’ thrive in your garden.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
• Spring Planting: For optimal results, plant Centranthus ruber ‘Pretty Betsy’ in spring. The warming soil encourages strong root establishment before the peak growing season.
• Autumn Planting: Alternatively, plant in early autumn to allow time to settle in before dormancy, promoting vigorous growth in spring.
Site Selection
• Sunlight: Centranthus thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade. Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily for maximum flowering.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial for Centranthus ruber ‘Pretty Betsy’. It adapts well to poor, stony, or chalky soils, making it ideal for walls and dry banks. Incorporating compost can improve drainage and fertility for better blooms.
Planting Instructions
Prepare the Site: Dig a hole twice as wide and as deep as the root ball.
Soil Enhancement: Mix compost or organic matter into the soil if necessary to improve structure and drainage.
Planting Depth: Position your Centranthus so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently firm the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
Watering: After planting, water thoroughly to help the roots establish, ensuring the area drains well.
Watering Requirements
• Establishment Period: Water regularly during the first few weeks after planting.
• Ongoing Care: Once established, Centranthus is drought-tolerant. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root problems, so avoid waterlogged conditions.
Feeding
• Spring Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support new growth and flower production.
• Mid-Summer Boost: A light feeding in mid-summer can help prolong flowering and maintain plant vigour.
Pruning
• Deadheading: Regularly remove spent blooms from Centranthus ruber ‘Pretty Betsy’ to encourage continuous flowering and keep the plant looking tidy.
• Seasonal Pruning: At the end of the blooming season, cut back the stems to promote healthy regrowth the following year.
Mulching
• Spring Mulch: Add a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant in spring to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Winter Mulch: Mulch during winter to protect roots from harsh conditions and prevent frost heaving.
Supporting the Plant
• Staking: Centranthus ruber ‘Pretty Betsy’ typically has sturdy stems, but if grown in exposed areas, consider staking to protect it from strong winds.
Final Tips
Centranthus ruber ‘Pretty Betsy’ is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that brings vibrant colour and fragrance to any garden. Its adaptability to challenging soils and dry conditions makes it a fantastic choice for walls, banks, or borders. By planting your Centranthus in sunny, well-drained locations and following this care guide, you’ll enjoy its stunning coral-red blooms from late spring through summer.
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Kellie (verified owner) –
Plant arrived healthy and a good size.