Centranthus ruber

Jupiter’s beard, Red valerian. A compact and sprawling, fast-growing evergreen perennial to 90 cm (3 ft) high, bearing numerous fragrant flowers from spring to summer. The young leaves are edible raw or cooked (a broad bean flavour), and the roots are edible cooked. The plant is used medicinally and is liked by bees and butterflies. Makes a good ground cover. Any well drained soil in sun or light shade; hardy to -23ºC.