Red Valerian: A Guide to Growing and Caring for This Drought-Tolerant Perennial
Red valerian (Centranthus ruber) is a beautiful and easy-to-grow plant that’s perfect for sunny gardens. Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for red valerian:
Where to Grow Red Valerian
Red valerian prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can tolerate partial shade, but it may not bloom as profusely. It’s also drought-tolerant, making it a great choice for dry gardens.
How to Plant Red Valerian
You can plant red valerian in spring, summer, or fall. Plant it to the same depth as it was in its pot. Water it regularly after planting, especially if it’s planted in the summer.
How to Care for Red Valerian
Red valerian is very easy to care for. It doesn’t need to be watered or fertilized, even in poor soils. To encourage more blooms and extend the flowering period, cut back the flower heads before the seeds ripen.
How to Propagate Red Valerian
You can propagate red valerian by seed, division, or basal cuttings. Sowing seeds indoors in March gives you a head start on the growing season. You can also sow seeds outdoors in April or later.
Pests and Diseases
Red valerian is generally pest and disease free. It’s not eaten by deer either.
Additional Tips
- Plant red valerian with other sun-loving plants, such as sea holly, evening primrose, harebell, and perovskia.
- To prevent red valerian from spreading, cut back the flower heads before the seeds ripen.
- If you’re growing red valerian in a container, make sure the pot has drainage holes.
- Red valerian is a great plant for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds.
