PerennialsCentranthus ruber
Red Valerian
Red Valerian is a carefree, long-flowering perennial with clusters of small red to pink flowers on grey-green stems. Blooming from May to September, it thrives even in the most impoverished conditions — in cracks, on walls, and in dry soil.
Characteristics
- Sun
- Full sun
- Water
- Low
- Height
- 60–90 cm
- Spread
- 40–60 cm
- Hardiness zone
- 5–8
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Evergreen
- No
- Flower colors
- red, pink
- Wildlife value
- bees, butterflies, moths
Bloom period
Care guide
Plant in full sun in well-drained, preferably alkaline soil. Red Valerian needs almost no water or feeding and thrives in poor soils. Too much fertiliser produces weak, floppy plants. Self-seeds prolifically.
Pruning tips
Cut back stems by half after the first flush to encourage a second bloom in autumn. Remove old foliage in spring. Remove self-sown seedlings where unwanted, as the plant self-seeds freely.
Good companions
ShrubsLavandula angustifolia
English Lavender
Lavender is a beloved herb with aromatic silver-green foliage and purple-blue flower spikes. This evergreen plant blooms profusely from June to August and is remarkably drought-tolerant, attracting butterflies and bees to the garden.
PerennialsEryngium planum
Sea Holly
Sea Holly is a striking perennial with steel-blue, thistle-like flower heads on branching stems. Blooming in July and August, it adds unique texture and colour to sunny borders. Excellent as a dried flower and a magnet for pollinators.
PerennialsNepeta × faassenii
Catmint
Catmint is a tough border plant with grey-green, aromatic foliage and soft blue flower plumes. It blooms from May to September, making it one of the longest-flowering perennials. Bees love the flowers and cats are drawn to the leaves.