Centranthus ruber

This lovely, fragrant, early flowering plant produces rich deep pink heads of flowers that are closely clustered and very eye-catching. The plant is often found growing in odd rocky places including old buildings where it always looks pretty and cheery. The colour has an intriguing dusky content. It goes well with stronger red shades and the blue violet colours of some geraniums and many of the lavenders. The foliage is said to smell unpleasant if bruised. It is naturalized in many parts of Britain and Ireland, especially the western regions, making its home in all available crevices. It is a handy plant to poke into odd corners for a long season of colour.