Centranthus ruber 'Albus'
red valerian (white form)
An upright perennial, sometimes grown as a biennial, with greyish-green leaves and sprays of small white flowers in late spring and summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ExposedDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Centranthus may be annuals or perennials, with usually simple, opposite leaves and terminal clusters of small, trumpet-shaped flowers
- Name status
Accepted
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
- Wildlife gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- 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
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.