Red Valerian
Centranthus ruber
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Pl. DCDB — Centranthus ruber
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IOverview
Overview
Red Valerian, scientifically known as Centranthus ruber, is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, including Turkey, Albania, Algeria, and various islands such as the Azores and Baleares. This hardy plant thrives in full sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to a range of soil types from light (sandy) to heavy (clay). It is commonly found in Turkey and grows up to 0.9 meters tall. Red Valerian is not only ornamental with its vibrant red flowers but also edible, as its leaves and roots can be used for culinary purposes. Its resilience and attractive appearance make it a valuable addition to gardens and landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Red Valerian?
Red Valerian, scientifically known as Centranthus ruber, is a perennial plant native to the Mediterranean region, including Turkey, Albania, Algeria, and various islands such as the Azores and Baleares.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Red Valerian thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will also grow in moist conditions. This perennial is hardy in zones 5-8 and reaches a height of about 0.9 meters. For propagation, gardeners can use seeds or division. The edible parts include the leaves and roots, making it useful both for culinary and ornamental purposes.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.9 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Red Valerian for the first time
8steps
Red Valerian is a hardy, low-maintenance perennial that's perfect for beginners.
- 1
What you'll need
A small shovel or trowel, seeds or young plants.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist until plants are established. Avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and minimal watering once established. Deadhead flowers for continuous bloom.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage in early spring to encourage new growth and maintain shape.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting to prune dead foliage.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesRoot
Edible uses: Red Valerian's leaves and roots are edible. The leaves can be eaten raw in salads or cooked as a vegetable. Roots are typically dug up and used in soups or stews after being boiled. Both parts add a mild flavor to dishes.
Other uses:Fragrance
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
16 native · 14 introduced
Distribution
16 native · 14 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 16 native· 14 introduced
Europe11 regions
native (6)AlbaniaFranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpain
introduced (5)FranceGreeceItalyPortugalSpain
Asia1 region
native (1)Turkey
Africa6 regions
native (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
introduced (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Yugoslavia, Turkey-in-Europe
introduced:Turkey-in-Europe, Yugoslavia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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