Chalky / Alkaline / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
Centranthus ruber, known as Red Valerian, is a delightful perennial wildflower, bearing grey-green leaves and dense clusters of crimson, pink or white, slightly fragrant flowers from late spring to autumn. It's incredibly easy to grow and is a magnet for pollinators.
Plants look best grown en masse on banks or when allowed to self-seed in walls and paving, where they create a delightful random, natural effect. A background of stone gives them an ideal setting, or they can be teamed with other cottage garden flowers in a border, such as lime-loving gypsophila, pinks and scabious.
