Red Valerian
Centranthus ruber
Also listed as Centranthus marinus, Centranthus maritimus
Also known as Jupiter's-beard, Spur Valerian
Climate Match for your location
See how well Red Valerian grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
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.
Why grow it
Red valerian offers reliable mid-to-late season color in dry, well-drained sites where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for xeriscaping or poor soils. Compared to similar pollinator-attracting perennials, it requires minimal fertilizer and water once established, though it flowers less densely than some cultivated salvias or catmints in ideal conditions. Its tendency to self-seed and fill gaps quickly distinguishes it from slower-establishing Mediterranean species.
Watch out for
In ideal growing conditions with adequate moisture and rich soil, this plant can become overly abundant and crowd out slower neighbors. Deadheading spent flower clusters will extend bloom time and reduce excessive self-seeding if a more contained appearance is preferred. Established plants may take a year or two to develop their characteristic vigor, so initial spacing should account for their mature spread.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
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.
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
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.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Red Valerian grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Red valerian offers reliable mid-to-late season color in dry, well-drained sites where many ornamentals struggle, making it useful for xeriscaping or poor soils. Compared to similar pollinator-attracting perennials, it requires minimal fertilizer and water once established, though it flowers less densely than some cultivated salvias or catmints in ideal conditions. Its tendency to self-seed and fill gaps quickly distinguishes it from slower-establishing Mediterranean species.
Watch out for
In ideal growing conditions with adequate moisture and rich soil, this plant can become overly abundant and crowd out slower neighbors. Deadheading spent flower clusters will extend bloom time and reduce excessive self-seeding if a more contained appearance is preferred. Established plants may take a year or two to develop their characteristic vigor, so initial spacing should account for their mature spread.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
Native Range
Mediterranean
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
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.