Centranthus ruber
red valerian
- Position: full sun
- Soil: well-drained, neutral to alkaline
- Rate of Growth: fast-growing
- Flowering period: July to October
- Hardiness: fully hardy
Dense clusters of reddish-pink flowers appear from July to October on tall, fleshy stems with glaucous leaves. Red valerian is long flowering and easy-to-grow. It's ideal for a sunny wildflower or seaside garden, with poor, but well-drained soil, or for growing between the cracks in walls. It self-seeds freely and prefers a chalky or alkaline soil. - Garden care: Deadhead regularly throughout the summer to prolong flowering. In autumn cut the plant back down to the ground and compost the dead stems.
- Eventual Height: 80cm
- Eventual Spread: 45cm