Wildflowers
Centranthus ruber -
Red Valerian
Red Valerian is easy-to-grow, mid-sized perennials are a common sight in cottage gardens, growing along walls and pathways and attracting bees and other pollinators. Producing clumps of pinky-red star-shaped flowers, the lightly-fragranced flowers can stretch from spring through to autumn. Will self-seed in free draining but poor-moderately fertile soil. Makes a good cut flower.
- Plant type
- Annual/Perennial
- Position
- Full Sun
- Height
- 80cm
- Spread
- 30cm
Growing calendar
Sowing & growing
Sow under glass March-June. Surface sow onto moist compost and lightly cover with soil. Transplant when seedlings are large enough and acclimatise before planting out from late April-May. Can be sown directly in the garden April-June. Sow sparingly and shallow, just 2-3mm deep. Once germinated, thin out seedlings to 30-40cm apart.
Aftercare
If you want to avoid self-seeding, cut down hard in July or after first flowering.
Gallery
Ref. SEC015