Jupiter’s beard
Centranthus ruber
Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24–30 in tall and 12–20 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Fire-wise zone 1-2 perennial; ignitability rating 10.0/10.
Colorado nativeOn the CSFS firewise listlow to medium water24–30 in tall and 12–20 in wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Centranthus ruber
- Type
- Perennial
- Mature size
- 24–30 in tall and 12–20 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~14–20 in apart
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–8
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Bloom color
- red
- Bloom time
- mid spring, mid fall
- Pollinator value
- high
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelySelf-seeds prolifically into gravel and walls; easy to pull when young
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Jupiter’s beard good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Jupiter’s beard is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Jupiter’s beard?
- The main things to know: Self-seeds prolifically into gravel and walls; easy to pull when young
- How big does Jupiter’s beard get?
- It matures to about 24–30 in tall and 12–20 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Jupiter’s beard?
- Space Jupiter’s beard about 14 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 20 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Jupiter’s beard hardy on the Front Range?
- Jupiter’s beard is hardy in USDA 5–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
- How much water does Jupiter’s beard need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Jupiter’s beard native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Jupiter’s beard deer-resistant?
- Jupiter’s beard is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Jupiter’s beard a good firewise plant near the house?
- Jupiter’s beard is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Jupiter’s beard bloom?
- Jupiter’s beard blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
