Caprifoliaceae
Red valerian: Ground Cover Plant
Centranthus ruber
An extremely low-maintenance perennial that thrives in full sun and well-drained, relatively poor soils. It is highly drought-tolerant and requires very little fertilizer.
Every 10 days
Direct sun
-15° - 35°C
20% - 60%
Categories
What is Red valerian?
Red valerian (Centranthus ruber) is a easy-care plant from the Caprifoliaceae family. Red valerian is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its bushy flower heads and extreme resilience. It often grows in wall crevices, on scree slopes, or in dry rock gardens. The plant forms dense clumps with blue-green foliage and numerous small, star-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to b...
Red valerian grows up to 1.0m, spread of 60cm, watering every 10 days, -15°C – 35°C, 20–60% humidity. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Red valerian tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Red valerian is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Red valerian?
TLDR: Red valerian needs Direct sun, watering every 10 days, and temperatures between -15-35°C with 20-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Red valerian?
Water only during prolonged dry periods. Established plants can survive almost entirely without supplemental watering.
How Much Light Does Red valerian Need?
Choose the sunniest spot in the garden; partial shade often results in floppy, unstable growth.
What Is the Best Soil for Red valerian?
Use alkaline, sandy, or gravelly soil. Avoid heavy, wet clay soils.
What Pot Should You Use for Red valerian?
Large terracotta pots with a thick drainage layer of gravel or expanded clay pebbles.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 60 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Red valerian and Where Does It Come From?
Red valerian is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its bushy flower heads and extreme resilience. It often grows in wall crevices, on scree slopes, or in dry rock gardens. The plant forms dense clumps with blue-green foliage and numerous small, star-shaped flowers that are highly attractive to butterflies and bees.
How to Propagate Red valerian?
Sowing
- The plant tends to self-seed readily if the spent flower heads are not removed.
- 1 Prepare sowing
Scatter seeds directly outdoors or in pots on the soil surface in spring.
- 2 Note light germination
Press the seeds only very lightly into the soil and do not cover them, as they require light to germinate.
- 3 Keep moist
Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs.
Materials needed:
Division
- Divide the plant every 3-4 years to rejuvenate the growth.
- 1 Digging up
Carefully lift the rootstock of an established plant using a spade.
- 2 Dividing
Split the root ball into two or more sections using a sharp knife or the spade.
- 3 Planting
Replant the divisions immediately in their new location and water thoroughly.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Red valerian Grow?
TLDR: Red valerian can reach up to 1.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
1.0m
Spread
60cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Semi-evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Aromatic
Pleasant fragrance
Culinary Uses
- Young leaves raw in salads
- Roots boiled in soups
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Often associated with endurance and resilience, as it thrives in locations where other plants struggle to survive.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small Scabious | Easy | Direct sun | 7d | ✓ |
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
