Red Valerian

I have several red valerian (Latin name Centranthus ruber Coccineus) plants in my garden.

My plants are several years old now originate from valerian plants in my parents garden, they are easy to divide and make new plants. Red Valerian is a Perennial and will last for many years.

• Roots
  The valerian has strong fleshy tap roots which will go very woody with age.
  
  
• Leaves and stem
  Tall smooth stems grow and pointy oval leaves grow in pairs of the stem. Many small bright red florets are produced at the top of the plant. These sprays of flowers resemble lilac to look at. A mound of this plant can measure 75-80cm wide and produce many flowering stems

*Flower
Many small bright red florets are produced at the top of the plant. These sprays of flowers resemble lilac to look at.
This can be a tall plant growing to 80cm tall

The flowering time is May till August. Mine have been flowering quite a time now in fact some have gone to seed.
Red valerian self seeds fairly easily I am sure some of my plants are self set.

*Scent
I just got down having a sniff and they do not smell over attractive, the smell is a bit rank a bit earthy.

*Position.
Valerian grows well in my chalk soil. It also used to grow quite well in Dads clay soil.
I have often seen red valerian its seeds escaped from gardens along walls or hedges it seems to survive well and be a hardy plant liking a poor soil.

*Availability

You will find this plant for sale in most garden centres off and off line. You can buy either he plant or the seeds. The time to grow from seed is March April
At http://www.gardeningexpress.co.uk a pack of 3 pants in 9cm pots can be bought for £9.95 the seeds can be bought from http://www.greenchronicle.co.uk for 99p. Valerian seeds are available from most seed merchants

Valerian is a native of the Mediterranean and has been introduces and naturalised in many other countries.
Sometimes this plant is called Jupiter's beard.

*why I grow red valerian
This is quite an attractive bright coloured plant ideal for the back of the border. Red valerian attracts butterflies, bees and other insects; they feed on the nectar and pollinate the plant. I have a wildlife garden and use as many nectar rich flowers as I can to attract butterflies.
This plant has attracted a few butterflies in my garden to feed on it not many but enough to make it worth having. We have seen Ringlet butterflies, on it and other species too. (Afraid I can not remember species at the moment.)