Skip to content
← Plant Database
Red Valerian

Red Valerian

Centranthus ruber

perennial☀️ full sun💧 low waterZone 5aZone 10b

A vigorous Mediterranean perennial with fragrant clusters of small red, pink, or white flowers that bloom prolifically in late spring and summer. Extremely drought-tolerant and low-maintenance once established, it attracts pollinators and self-seeds readily.

Overview

Form
Upright
Growth Rate
fast
Size
1.5–3′ tall × 1.5–2.5′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen

Tolerances & Soil

Zone 5aZone 10b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 5a to Zone 10b

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummer

Herb

Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.

Succession Role

pioneerearly successional

Native Range

Mediterranean

Function & Care

pollinator nectarywildlife benefit

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
seed, cutting, division

Notable Cultivars

'Albus' is the white-flowered form prized for contrast, while 'Coccineus' offers deep red flowers. Both are as hardy and drought-tolerant as the species type.