How to Grow Red Valerian
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Red Valerian
Centranthus ruber
flowerRed valerian is a showy perennial flowering plant with fleshy blue-green foliage and dense clusters of tiny, fragrant tubular flowers in red, pink, or white. It blooms prolifically from late spring through summer and is highly attractive to pollinators and butterflies. This drought-tolerant plant is remarkably hardy and self-seeds readily, making it ideal for cottage gardens and naturalized settings.
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Example Red Valerian timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Red Valerian
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Red Valerian blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Red Valerian dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-10, with best performance in zones 5-9
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Get my Red Valerian timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with narrow cotyledons emerge within 7-14 days. True leaves are narrow and linear.
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to 3-4 inches apart.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksPlant develops bushy foliage with blue-green, fleshy lance-shaped leaves arranged in rosettes. Stem elongation begins.
Reduce watering as plant establishes. No fertilizer needed; too much nitrogen encourages foliage at expense of flowers. Pinch back stem tips if wanting bushier growth.
Budding & Early Flowering
2-4 weeksDense flower buds form at stem tips in coral-red, pink, or white clustered inflorescences (cymes). First flowers open.
Continue minimal watering. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continued blooming. Stake tall varieties if needed in windy sites.
Peak Flowering
8-12 weeks (late May through August or later)Plant is covered in fragrant, tubular flowers arranged in dense clusters. Blooms attract butterflies and pollinators continuously.
Deadhead regularly to extend blooming through summer. Water only during extended dry spells. Allow some flowers to fade if self-seeding is desired.
Seed Formation & Decline
4-6 weeksFlowers fade and form small, winged seed pods. Foliage may decline in heat of midsummer; plant may rebloom in cooler fall.
Leave some seed heads for self-seeding or deadhead all to prevent unwanted seedlings. Cut back plant by half in midsummer for potential fall rebloom.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe. Ladybugs and lacewings provide natural control.
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Handpick; use copper barriers or slug traps. Beer traps can be effective. Remove debris where they hide.
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering. Remove affected plants. Improve air circulation around plants.
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Increase air circulation. Remove affected foliage. Apply sulfur dust if needed. Avoid overhead watering.
Uses
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe flowers are edible with a slightly spicy, peppery flavor and can be used as garnish for salads, desserts, and beverages. They add visual appeal and a delicate, mild peppery note to culinary creations. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalRed valerian has been used in traditional herbalism as a mild sedative and to support nervous system calm, though scientific evidence is limited. The plant contains compounds similar to those found in common valerian (Valeriana officinalis). [source]
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe long stems and dense flower clusters make red valerian excellent for fresh or dried floral arrangements, bouquets, and cottage garden displays. Flowers dry well and retain color for long-lasting arrangements. [source]
Pollinator & Butterfly Magnet
WildlifeRed valerian is highly attractive to butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, making it invaluable for supporting beneficial insect populations in gardens. Its nectar-rich flowers provide essential food sources throughout the blooming season. [source]
Dried Flowers for Crafts
CraftSeed heads and dried flower clusters can be used in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and floral crafts. The flowers maintain color well when air-dried. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Red valerian is primarily ornamental; flowers can be cut for fresh arrangements when fully open. Cut stems in early morning for longest vase life (typically 5-7 days). For seed collection, allow flower heads to dry on plant, then harvest and store dry seed in cool location. Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Red valerian is naturalized on rocky cliffs and stone walls throughout the Mediterranean region and has escaped cultivation to establish feral populations in western North America and Europe.
- 🌱 The plant's common name 'valerian' is somewhat misleading—it is not related to true valerian (Valeriana officinalis), though both have mild sedative properties traditionally attributed to similar alkaloid compounds.
- 🌱 Red valerian can bloom nearly continuously for 4-5 months in cool climates and will often self-seed prolifically, creating naturalized drifts if allowed to set seed. Some gardeners view this as delightful abundance, while others consider it invasive.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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