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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 the UK
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
  • Low Maintenance
  • Wall side borders
  • 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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