Red Valerian

(Centranthus ruber)

Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Centranthus ruber, commonly known as Red Valerian, is a perennial subshrub native to Mediterranean coastal cliffs, dry slopes, and rocky ground, often found in disturbed areas. It can vary in form from herbaceous to shrubby, typically woody at the base. This plant reaches a height of 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) with a similar spread. Red Valerian is adorned with dense clusters of small, tubular flowers, each about 2 mm across, forming large, showy inflorescences. The flowers come in shades of brick red, purplish red, deep crimson, pale pink, lavender, and white (Centranthus ruber ’Albus’). Flowering occurs in early summer and may continue sporadically into fall, especially in cooler climates, with the cultivar ’coccineus’ being particularly long-blooming. The blooms emit a strong, distinctive scent and are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other insects, serving as a food source for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species, such as the angle shades moth.

Red Valerian is valued for its long flowering period, ability to attract beneficial insects, and tolerance of very alkaline soils. It is commonly used in rock gardens, as a border plant, and for naturalizing in informal settings. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires medium water, adapting to a range of soil drainage conditions from slow to fast. However, gardeners should be cautious as it can become invasive outside its native range, particularly in the United States. It is advisable to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1.5-3 feet
  • Width: 1-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Red
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Mediterranean coastal cliffs, dry slopes, and rocky ground

Other Names

Common Names: Fox’s Brush , Red-Valerian , Spur Valerian , Kiss-Me-Quick , Jupiter’s Beard , Devil’s Beard , Sporebaldrian , Rød Sporebaldrian , Rote Spornblume , Lilas D’Espagne

Scientific Names: Centranthus ruber , Kentranthus ruber , Centranthus maritimus , Valeriana calcarata

GBIF Accepted Name: Centranthus ruber (L.) DC.