Wildflowers
Centranthus ruber White - Valerian
Valerian
These easy-to-grow, medium-sized perennials are a common sight in cottage gardens. They often grow along walls and paths, attracting bees and other pollinators. Clumps of green-white star-shaped flowers appear from late Spring, the lightly-fragranced flowers can stretch from spring through to autumn. Will self-seed in free draining 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 Mar-Jun. Sow onto the surface of moist compost and cover lightly with soil. Transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle and acclimatise before planting out from late Apr-May. Can be sown directly in the garden Apr-Jun. Sow sparingly and shallow, just 2-3mm deep. Thin out seedlings to 30-40cm apart.
Aftercare
If you want to avoid self-seeding around the garden, cut down hard in July to remove all flower stems after first flowering.
Gallery
Ref. SEC070