Centranthus
Valerian
- Height × spread
- 0.7m – 0.7m × 0.9m – 0.9m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 12 species of Centranthus which may be annual, perennial or almost shrubby in character. They originate in Mediterranean areas and Europe. By the far the best known is Centranthus ruber, popularly called Valerian. It is widely naturalised in warmer parts of the UK, especially Cornwall, where it grows on river banks. Elsewhere it may even grow out of the mortar of railway bridges. It is loved for its warmly coloured, dome-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red and even white. An excellent plant for a wild garden where there is plenty of sun and well-drained soil.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Purple, Red, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Fan
- Height
- 0.7m – 0.7m
- Spread
- 0.9m – 0.9m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Garden style
- Seaside garden, Scented garden, Rock garden, Prairie garden, Mediterranean garden, Cottage garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Butterfly attraction
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Planting & general
Planting
Deadhead blooms during flowering season
Remove flowers as they turn brown and fade. Snip the stem just below the bloom. This will keep the plant tidy and encourage more flowers.
The removal of spent flowers encourages the plant to produce fresh ones, rather than spend its energy on the development of seeds.
Found in
More Centranthus
Centranthus ruber
Red valerian, Setwall, Jupiter's beard, Drunken sailor, Pretty betsy, Foxes' beard
Centranthus ruber 'Albus'
Red valerian, Setwall, Jupiter's beard, Drunken sailor, Pretty betsy, Foxes' beard
Centranthus ruber var. coccineus
Red valerian, Setwall, Jupiter's beard, Drunken sailor, Pretty betsy, Foxes' beard