Centranthus Coccineus (Red Valerian)

Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus', commonly known as Red Valerian or Jupiter's Beard, is a must-have perennial for gardeners who want to introduce bold colour and a natural charm to their outdoor space. This hardy plant produces clusters of deep pink to crimson-red flowers from late spring well into autumn, providing a long-lasting burst of colour that attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.

Growing to a height of around 60-90 cm, Red Valerian thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for borders, cottage gardens, and even rocky or coastal sites where other plants might struggle. An interesting feature of Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus' is its drought tolerance once established, which makes it a reliable option for gardeners looking to create low-maintenance, yet vibrant, displays. It can even grow in challenging spots, such as along walls and garden paths, adding a touch of wild beauty to these areas.

One lesser-known fact about Red Valerian is that it has been historically used for its medicinal properties and was often cultivated in traditional herb gardens. Its ability to self-seed and naturalise means that with time, it can form delightful drifts that give your garden a relaxed, cottage-like feel. We ship these plants as bare roots in the spring, ensuring they are ready to establish quickly and burst into growth once planted.

Botanical Name: Centranthus ruber 'Coccineus'
Common Name: Red Valerian, Jupiter's Beard
Flower Colour: Deep pink to crimson-red
Height: Up to 60-90 cm
Spread: 45-60 cm
Flowering Period: Late spring to autumn
Key Features: Long flowering season; drought-tolerant once established; attracts bees and butterflies; self-seeding for naturalised drifts
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun
Soil: Prefers well-drained soil; can tolerate poor or rocky soil
Wildlife Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators
Supplied As: Bare root plants
Ideal for pots: No
Ideal For: Borders, cottage gardens, rocky areas, coastal gardens
Maintenance: Low-maintenance; easy to establish and care for
Planting Time: Spring planting for quick establishment and growth
Dispatch: Spring March/April
We ship from London