Species red valerian
Red flowers, pink-red petals on  green stem amidst green foliage

red valerian

Centranthus ruber

Also Known As - Jupiter's beard
Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber) is a beautiful and captivating species of plant native to the Mediterranean region. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant has a delightful scent and grows to a height of around 1.2 metres. It boasts beautiful clusters of white, pink, and pale-purple star-shaped flowers, which last from late spring through the summer. Its evergreen foliage is a deep, dark-green that provides a striking contrast to its charming flowers. Red Valerian is an ideal choice for a perennial border or container, making it a great addition to any garden. Its stunning colour and striking blooms create a wonderful show that draws in beneficial pollinators like butterflies and bees. Red Valerian is an incredible species of plant that will add beauty and interest to your garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Pale to crimson red Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Fruits:

brown,black Fruits In Autumn Ready In Summer

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Red Valerian should be watered regularly and deeply to promote vigorous root growth. In warm weather it may require watering every few days. In cooler months, water when the top inch of soil feels dry. The frequency of watering should be adjusted depending on local weather conditions and soil composition. Use care not to over water, as prolonged moisture can result in root rot. During hot months, it may help to keep the soil slightly moist and slightly damp at all times.

sunlight

Red Valerian is a versatile plant that enjoys full sunlight when grown outdoors and up to 2-3 hours of direct sunlight a day when indoors. For optimal growth, it should be provided with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. If the sunlight is too intense, however, the plant may become scorched or dried out. It is best to provide the plant with indirect sunlight, partial shade, or dappled light instead. To get the most out of the sun exposure, avoid direct sunlight in hot afternoon hours when the light is strongest and most intense.

pruning

Red Valerian should be pruned after flowering to encourage a second round of flowering. If the plant becomes too large or unruly, it can be pruned back by half in late spring or early summer, or deadheaded (removing faded blooms) when the blooms begin to fade. Pruning should be done judiciously, as too much pruning can reduce flowering. In addition, if the foliage begins to look ragged or untidy, trim it back lightly.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Red valerian typically starts flowering in April or May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Centranthus ruber typically begins in June and continues through August.

Hardiness Map