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Herbaceous Perennial

Centranthus ruber var. coccineus
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

crimson red valerian

A clump-forming, bushy perennial with blue-green, semi-evergreen foliage. The small, funnel-shaped, pinky-red flowers are produced in dense clusters from spring to autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green Grey Silver
Summer Red Green Grey Silver
Autumn Red Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H5
Botanical details
Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Centranthus may be annuals or perennials, with usually simple, opposite leaves and terminal clusters of small, trumpet-shaped flowers

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in a well-drained soil that is poor to moderately fertile, ideally a chalky or stony soil. Good drought resistance; thrives on walls and in coastal gardens. Needs full sun to flower well

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut down stems in autumn or if self-seeding is a problem then cut back hard in July after their first flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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