Red valerian Centranthus ruber
Red valerian (Centranthus ruber) is a deciduous perennial flowering plant in the Caprifoliaceae family, native to Mediterranean Europe, North Africa and Turkey. It grows 60–90 cm (24–35 in) tall and 50–80 cm (20–31 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
Plan Red valerian in your garden →
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Red valerian at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Mature height | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–80 cm (20–31 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 13–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: young leaves, roots |
| Native to | Mediterranean Europe, North Africa and Turkey |
| Common in gardens of | 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Red valerian toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Leaves are eaten in parts of Europe; pet effects are not documented in ASPCA lists.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Red valerian
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Red valerian
- How far apart should I plant Red valerian?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–80 cm (20–31 in).
- Does Red valerian need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Red valerian need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Red valerian?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Red valerian flower?
- From about May for 13–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Red valerian poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Leaves are eaten in parts of Europe; pet effects are not documented in ASPCA lists.
- What grows well with Red valerian?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Red valerian. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Thrives on poor, alkaline soil and in wall cracks; self-seeds freely and can become weedy in mild regions. Deadhead to limit spread.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Corn salad (lamb's lettuce) Valerianella locusta
- Valerian Valeriana officinalis
- Haskap (honeyberry) Lonicera caerulea
- Common honeysuckle (woodbine) Lonicera periclymenum
- Weigela Weigela florida
- Field scabious Knautia arvensis
- Twinflower Linnaea borealis
- Ominaeshi (golden lace, Patrinia) Patrinia scabiosifolia