red valerian
Centranthus ruber
USDA zones5 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pink
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, chalk
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Red valerian (Centranthus ruber) is a perennial for borders, containers, and low maintenance gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 5, or down to -20°F (-29°C). This plant likes full or part sun and dry to average, sandy, loamy, or chalky soil. It is tough and extremely drought tolerant, and it can grow from cracks in walls. Butterflies and native bees visit the fragrant pink flowers. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits.
Pairs well with Ostfriesland sage, Silver feather grass, Moonshine yarrow, and Patricia crane's-bill.