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Centranthus ruber var. coccineus

Centranthus ruber var. coccineus

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Red valerianPerennialFamily: Valerianaceae

Height: 1mSpread: 1m
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Red

Foliage colour:

Blue/Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Middle

Soil

Succeeds on poor soil:

Chalky / Alkaline / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Centranthus ruber, known as Red Valerian, is a delightful perennial wildflower, bearing grey-green leaves and dense clusters of crimson, pink or white, slightly fragrant flowers from late spring to autumn. It's incredibly easy to grow and is a magnet for pollinators.

Centranthus ruber var. coccineus is slightly more compact than the species, and has cherry red flowers. It makes an excellent cut flower.

Plants look best grown en masse on banks or when allowed to self-seed in walls and paving, where they create a delightful random, natural effect. A background of stone gives them an ideal setting, or they can be teamed with other cottage garden flowers in a border, such as lime-loving gypsophila, pinks and scabious.

For best results grow Centranthus ruber var. coccineus in well-drained soil in full sun. Find out more in our grow guide for Red Valerian, or explore the variety Centranthus ruber.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyesyesyesPlantyesyesyesyesyesFlowersyesyesyesDivideyes**yesCollect Seedsyes**yes

Centranthus ‘Ruber’ and wildlife

Centranthus ‘Ruber’ is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, butterflies/moths and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees

Bees

Is known to attract Beneficial insects

Beneficial insects

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is known to attract Butterflies/Moths

Butterflies/Moths

Is known to attract Other pollinators

Other pollinators

Is Centranthus ‘Ruber’ poisonous?

Centranthus ‘Ruber’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People