Red Valerian Plants for Sale – A Complete Guide to Growing Gorgeous Centranthus

With their sculptural spikes of tiny red, pink or white flowers, red valerian plants, also known by their botanical name Centranthus, are highly desirable additions to gardens and landscapes These rugged, easy-care perennials have an old-fashioned cottage garden charm and attract scores of pollinators. If you are looking to add red valerians to your yard, here is everything you need to know about purchasing these charismatic plants

What is Red Valerian?

Red valerian refers to a genus of flowering plants called Centranthus that contains about 10 species. These are herbaceous perennials or subshrubs native primarily to rocky areas and cliffs of southern Europe. The most popular and widely grown species is Centranthus ruber, known as Jupiter’s beard or bloody butcher.

With its loose, open form, red valerian grows 24-36 inches tall and 24-30 inches wide. From late spring to early summer, dense clusters of tiny starry flowers bloom at the tips of upright stems. Flower colors include bright crimson, carmine, pink and white. The foliage is attractive as well, with oval green leaves up to 4 inches long arranged in pairs along the woody stems.

Benefits of Red Valerian Plants

There are many reasons red valerian deserves a spot in gardens and landscapes

• Long bloom period from late spring to frost
• Flowers attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds
• Rugged and adaptable to various conditions
• Tolerates heat, drought, poor soils, salt spray
• Works well in borders, cottage gardens, meadows
• Deer and rabbit resistant
• Easy care/low maintenance
• Delightful cut flowers
• Spreads by self-seeding, but not aggressively invasive

Where to Find Red Valerian Plants for Sale

Red valerian plants are sold at many garden centers and plant nurseries, especially in the spring. However, selection is often limited to just one or two common varieties like Centranthus ruber.

For the widest choice of different centranthus species and cultivars for sale, check out online perennial specialists like:

• Plant Delights Nursery – Offers Centranthus ruber ‘Coccineus’ and other unique selections.

• High Country Gardens – Sells popular Centranthus ruber ‘Coccineus’ with red blooms.

• Bluestone Perennials – Carries Centranthus ruber ‘Albus’ with white flowers.

• Nature Hills Nursery – Provides the dwarf pink cultivar Centranthus ruber ‘Pretty Betsy’.

These and other reputable online sellers ship healthy, vigorous plants straight to your door. Order early for the best selection.

How to Plant Red Valerian

Here are some tips for successfully planting red valerian in your garden:

• Sun: Choose a site with full sun to part shade. At least 6 hours of direct sunlight is ideal.

• Soil: Red valerian tolerates most soils as long as they drain well. Lean, rocky or sandy soil is fine.

• Spacing: Allow 18-24 inches between plants. Give them room to spread.

• Planting: Set plants at the same depth they were growing in pots. Water well after planting.

• Care: Apply a thin layer of compost each spring. Avoid fertilizing which can cause floppiness.

Growing and Caring for Red Valerian Plants

To keep your red valerians looking their best, provide the following care:

• Watering: Drought tolerant once established. Water deeply only when soil is dry.

• Pruning: In early spring, cut back flower stems to promote bushy new growth.

• Fertilizing: Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers which cause leggy growth.

• Winter Care: Leave spent flower stems over winter for visual interest and bird habitat.

• Propagating: Easily self-seeds but not aggressively. Thin unwanted seedlings.

With proper siting and minimal care, red valerian plants will thrive, naturalize and provide years of beauty to your landscape. Their vibrant colors and carefree nature make centranthus a must for gardens.

Popular Red Valerian Varieties

Many species and cultivars of Centranthus offer unique flower colors, plant sizes and growing habits. Here are some top varieties to consider:

Centranthus ruber

• ‘Coccineus’ – Most popular variety with bright red blooms. Grows 24-36 inches tall.

• ‘Albus’ – White-flowered form with green foliage. Compact at 18 inches tall.

• ‘Pretty Betsy’ – Dwarf growing to 12 inches tall with pink flowers.

Other Notable Centranthus Varieties

• C. macrosiphon – Pink flowers on 18 inch stalks. Leaves have white margins.

• C. angustifolius – Pink blooms on stiff stems. Narrow willow-like leaves.

• C. calcitrapae – White starry flowers with glaucous foliage.

Where to Use Red Valerian in Gardens

Thanks to their rugged nature, red valerians are very versatile plants that work well in many garden situations:

• Cottage gardens
• Perennial borders
• Container gardens
• Pollinator gardens
• Rock gardens
• Meadows and naturalized areas
• Hillsides and slopes
• Seaside gardens (tolerates salt spray)

Plant red valerian in drifts or clusters for best visual impact. You can also mix them with other perennials like yarrow, catmint, coreopsis and ornamental grasses. They combine beautifully!

With minimal care, Centranthus are hardy performers that inject beauty and elegance into gardens. Their delightful flowers will attract admiration from people and pollinators alike. When shopping for plants this spring, be sure to pick up one or more of these charismatic red valerian varieties to enhance your landscape all season long.