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Key characteristics

Family: Caprifoliaceae
Height: 1 to 3 feet
Width: 1 to 3 feet
Flower color: Red, pink, or white
Foliage color: Blue-green
Bloom time: Late spring to fall
Light: Full sun
Water: Drought tolerant once established
Maintenance: Low; deadhead spent flowers to prevent self-seeding and encourage continuous blooming
Growing zone: USDA zones 5 to 8
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies; deer resistant

Perennials

Centranthus ruber

Red Valerian

Centranthus ruber, commonly known as Red Valerian, is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region. It showcases dense clusters of small, star-shaped flowers in shades of red, pink, or white, blooming profusely from late spring through fall. The plant's gray-green, lance-shaped leaves provide an attractive backdrop to its vibrant blossoms.

A notable characteristic of Centranthus ruber is its adaptability to various garden settings, including rocky soils and coastal areas.

Light

Full sun

Water

Drought tolerant once established

Bloom time

Late spring to fall

Find this plant

Works well in

Borders
Sun Gardens
Pollinator Gardens
Waterwise Gardens
Cut Flower Gardens

Companion plants

Ornamental grasses · Garden phlox · Black-eyed Susans · Daylilies · Lavender · Coreopsis

Design tip

Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. In full sun it holds its shape best, and grouping several together keeps the color strong enough to be seen from across the garden.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)