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I added Red Valerian to my garden last year to see if it would attract pollinators, and I'm pleased to see a number of different types of bumblebees enjoying the flowers. It's a plant I would recommend if you want to help insects.
Red Valerian, Centranthus ruber, is a drought-tolerant herbaceous perennial that blooms all summer long and makes a good cut flower. Its sprays of small, tubular flowers in shades of crimson, pink, or white are scented and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, including the humming-bird hawk moth (Macroglossum stellatarum).
However, red valerian is not the same as the herb known as common valerian, Valeriana officinalis. While red valerian has no toxic effects, it also has no medicinal value. The root of common valerian, on the other hand, is used in herbal medicine.
Red valerian is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of settings, such as rock gardens, seaside gardens, and wildlife gardens. It will thrive in full sun and dry soil. To encourage repeat blooming, cut back fading flowers.
Red valerian is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of soil and light conditions. It thrives in neutral to chalky, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates partial or lightly dappled shade, but may not flower as prolifically. In rich soils or more shady spots, it may need staking.
Red valerian grows to a height of 1 meter, with oval green leaves all the way up the stems. It makes a good mid-border plant, but it will also grow well in walls, gravel, rock gardens, and seaside gardens.
Red valerian is a hardy plant that can be planted in autumn or spring, or even early winter in mild climates. Plant it to the same depth as it was in its pot and water regularly over the first few weeks until established. Pair red valerian with other sun-loving cottage garden plants like sea holly (Eryngium maritimum), Oenothera lindheimeri, common harebell (Campanula rotundifolia), and Russian sage (Perovskia).
Red valerian is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow and care for. It is extremely drought-tolerant and does not need watering or feeding, even in poor soils. It is a prolific self-seeder, so to limit its spread, cut back the flower heads before the seeds ripen. This will also encourage more blooms, extending the flowering period.
Mature plants form woody clumps that slowly spread to up to 60cm across. If you need to remove a plant, young plants can be pulled up easily and older more established clumps can be lifted with a spade. If removing from dry stone walls, take care not to damage the structure.
Red valerian can be propagated by seed. Sow seed indoors in moist compost in March, and transplant seedlings outdoors in late April. Alternatively, sow seed outdoors in April. Thin seedlings to 30cm apart.
Red valerian can also be propagated by division. In autumn or spring, dig up the whole clump and divide the root-ball into several segments, each with its own roots and stems. Remove the woody centre of the plant and replant the remaining divisions in separate planting holes.
Red valerian can also be propagated by cuttings. In spring, take cuttings from new shoots that are about 15cm long. Plant the cuttings in a pot of well-draining potting mix and cover the pot with a plastic bag. Leave the pot in a cool, light position indoors.
Red valerian does not require any regular pruning. To extend the flowering period and prevent self-seeding, cut back fading flower heads.
Red valerian is deer resistant and resistant to most pests and diseases.
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