Where to Find Red Valerian Plants for Sale for Your Garden

Red valerian, also known as Jupiter’s beard, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow perennial plant that makes a charming addition to any garden With its dense clusters of deep red flowers that bloom from late spring through summer, it provides season-long color and interest If you’re looking to add this pretty plant to your own yard or garden, you may be wondering where you can find reliable sources for red valerian plants for sale. Fortunately, there are a number of reputable online nurseries and garden centers that offer this plant.

A Bit About Red Valerian

With its scientific name of Centranthus ruber, red valerian is a species of flowering plant in the Valerian family. It is native to the Mediterranean region but has naturalized in many other temperate locations. The plant features fragrant clusters of tiny five-petaled flowers blooming atop tall, straight stems. The flowers are most commonly a deep crimson-red hue, but pink and white varieties also exist. Red valerian is a perennial in zones 4-9 and can reach 1-4 feet tall at maturity, with a 1-3 foot spread.

An extremely hardy plant, red valerian thrives with minimal care and watering once established. It does best in full sun and well-drained soil. This plant will readily self-seed and naturalize when happy. As such, it makes an excellent choice for cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and other informal garden spaces. Red valerian also attracts butterflies and hummingbirds!

Where to Buy Red Valerian Plants Online

If you’ve decided to add red valerian to your garden, purchasing plants online is often the most convenient choice Here are some top online retailers offering red valerian plants for sale

High Country Gardens

• Popular online nursery with a wide selection of waterwise plants
• Sells Centranthus ruber ‘Coccineus’, a seed propagated cultivar with rose-red blooms
• Plants available in 5″ pots or trays of 9 for discounted bulk pricing
• Ships at proper planting time for your zone

Joy Creek Nursery

• Family-owned nursery in Oregon offering a variety of garden plants
• Several Centranthus ruber cultivars available, including ‘Coccineus,’ ‘Alba,’ and ‘Pretty Betsy’
• Plants sold in 1 gallon containers
• Ships plants April-June

Bluestone Perennials

• Wide selection of perennials, shrubs, vines and more
• Offers C. ruber ‘Coccineus’ in 1 quart pots
• Also sells ‘Pretty Betsy’ and ‘Albus’ cultivars
• Ships at optimal planting time for your area

Nature Hills Nursery

• Large selection of plants, including many specialized varieties
• Sells C. ruber ‘Coccineus’ as well as the white ‘Albus’ and compact ‘Little Spire’
• Available bare root or in 1 or 2 quart pots
• Ships based on ideal planting dates

Purchasing Red Valerian at Local Garden Centers

Beyond buying online, visiting your local independent garden centers is another great option for finding red valerian plants for sale. Here are some tips for finding it locally:

• Check for availability in late spring – this is typically when most garden centers will stock red valerian plants.

• Look for nurseries carrying perennials and flowering plants, as they are more likely to sell it than those focused solely on edibles.

• Ask! Don’t see red valerian? Speak to an employee – they may have limited quantities or grow it on special order.

• Be flexible – one variety may not be available but they may have others like ‘Albus’ or ‘Pretty Betsy.’

• Buy early – popular plants sell out quickly. Call ahead to see if they have red valerian in stock.

• If not in stock, many garden centers can put you on a waitlist or special order.

With proper timing and persistence, you should be able to track down red valerian plants for sale at local nurseries. This is a great way to inspect plants in person too.

How to Care for Your Red Valerian Plant

Once you’ve acquired your red valerian plant, providing proper care will ensure it thrives for many seasons. Here are some growing tips:

• Pick a site with full sun and well-draining soil. Amend soil with compost if needed.

• Plant in spring or fall, spacing 1-3 feet apart depending on variety.

• Water regularly after planting, then reduce to occasional deep watering once established.

• Apply a balanced flower fertilizer in early spring.

• Remove spent blooms to encourage more flowers.

• Cut plant back by half after flowering finishes for the season.

• Mulch around plants in winter in cold areas. Apply frost protection if temperatures drop below 0°F.

• Divide congested plants every 2-3 years in spring or fall.

• Propagate by seed, cuttings, or division for more plants.

With proper placement, minimal care, and well-draining soil, red valerian is easy to grow and will provide vibrant, lasting color in gardens year after year. Any of the sources above can provide you with healthy, vigorous plants ready to shine in your landscape.