Would like to know plant ID

[PeterJL]

Centranthus ruber known as Red Valerian can also be deep pink, dark pink and white which is a bit confusing. It was in flower on March 1st this year on the Great Orme.

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by PeterJL

Centranthus ruber known as Red Valerian can also be deep pink, dark pink and white which is a bit confusing. It was in flower on March 1st this year on the Great Orme.

The white form seems to be a sub species, the seed comes 'true' and is sold as 'white' Valerian. There certainly seems a difference in odour between the red and white, the white being sweet to begin with but quickly becoming pretty foul and attracting flies.

CM

[PeterJL]

It's very unlikley to be a sub species. The white form may just possibly be a variety but I doubt even that since there's no reference to it being different from the red and pink in any way apart from colour.

It isn't uncommon to have a species which has different coloured flowers.

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by PeterJL

It's very unlikley to be a sub species. The white form may just possibly be a variety but I doubt even that since there's no reference to it being different from the red and pink in any way apart from colour.

It isn't uncommon to have a species which has different coloured flowers.

Indeed; "sub species" was the wrong term to use. There is seed sold as C. alba 'St. George' and Centranthus ruber Alba Pura - which are described as 'cultivars' but I'm not sure that they are products of selective breeding but rather selection from variation occuring in the wild . I do think the difference in scent between white and red is notable.

CM