Red Valerian (centranthus ruber)
about
Red Valerian is a true Perennial of dry hot sunny sites. Originating and native to the Mediterranean regions it has naturalised in Britain after escaping the confines of the garden become a locally common wildflower in southern Britain.
Flowering from June through to August the long branching heads of clustered small ornate flowers are mostly crimson coloured or on occasions White. The leaves are oval shaped in opposite pairs grey green.
Plant Information
- Name: Red Valerian (centranthus ruber)
- Group: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle family)
- Type:Hardy Perennial
- Flower Colour: Red/Crimson or White
- Flowering: June to August
- Position: well drained Full sun
- Height: around 70cm
- Similar appearance to:
- Larval food plant: Hummingbird Hawk Moth
- Nectar plant: Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), Large Skipper (Ochlodes venata), Small Skippers, Small Tortoise-Shell (Aglais urticae), Red Admiral, Hummingbird Hawk Moth, Meadow Brown (Maniola-jurtina), Ringlet (Aphantopus hyperantus), Bees and Moths
- Photograph:
- Location: Growing in my Garden
Red Valerian (centranthus ruber) in Garden
*foot note*
Red Valerian introduced itself to the garden around 5/6 years ago it has managed to grow along in poorest driest soil right against sunniest the wall of my house along with a few Penstenum, as yet it has never spread from this first spot. Would I get rid, not a chance!
