Jupiter's Beard (Centranthus Ruber Albus) - Grown from Jupiter's Beard seeds, this stunning white version is another popular heirloom flower. Grow the two colors together for eye-popping color for the middle of the perennial xeriscape garden. White Jupiter's Beard produces white, fragrant flowers in clusters 2 - 3 inches across. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It also makes a nice cut flower, and the white variety especially lends itself nicely to arrangements. This drought tolerant perennial is also known as White Valerian.

Growing white Jupiter's Beard from flower seed is very rewarding and easy. Approximately 1000 seeds covers 75 square feet. It should be spaced about 12 to 15 inches apart in the sunny garden (light shade is fine as well). The White Valerian plant is very long-lived, and it asks for only ordinary garden soil with good drainage. After it's established, it is considered to be fairly drought tolerant. Deadheading will keep the plant flowering fuller and later into the season. If the plant stops blooming due to heat, cut the plant back by 1/3 - 1/2 to promote another round of blooms later in the summer.

Sow Jupiter's Beard seed indoors in starter trays 6 - 8 weeks before the end of frost season. Keep flower seeds continuously moist until germination. Transplant seedling outdoors when frost danger has passed. Or, directly sow Jupiter's Beard seeds outdoors into prepared soil in spring when temperatures are consistently warm. The White Valerian plant is a liberal self-sower. Deadhead spent blooms if you do not want the flower seed to spread.

Jupiter's Beard (Centranthus Ruber Coccineus Mix) - If you enjoy attracting wildlife to your landscape, starting Jupiter's Beard seeds is a sure way to have lots of these beautiful flowers that attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. This drought tolerant Centranthus Jupiter's Beard seed mix will have a beautiful display of blooms in shades of reds, rose, and white. Growing Jupiter's Beard from seed is very rewarding! You'll have flowers to enjoy in the xeriscape garden and for cutting as well. Jupiter's Beard care includes deadheading to keep the plant flowering later in the season as well as to keep the plant from self-sowing. Jupiter's Beard is also called Keys to Heaven, and the flower seeds can be started either indoors or directly outside.