Centranthus ruber (L.) DC.

Glabrous perennial herb; stems 30–80 cm tall, ascending, robust, usually glaucous, branching from base. Lvs opposite, cauline, variable on one plant; lower lvs of main stem lanceolate, 3–10–(17) × 1–3–(5) cm, entire, petiolate; upper lvs of main stem deltate-acuminate to ovate, smaller than lower lvs, often irregularly toothed, amplexicaul; lvs of side shoots smaller, ovate-lanceolate, usually amplexicaul. Cyme up to 25 × 10 cm, of many, pedicellate fls. Fls usually deep pink to magenta, sometimes white. Corolla tube 5–10 mm long, somewhat > spur. Fr. narrow-ovoid, flattened, 3–4 mm long.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Nov.–Jun.