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CENTRANTHUS
Commonly known as Valerian
A common, introduced perennial, evocative of old cottage gardens. It is found on dry banks, cliffs and old walls as it can tolerate the lime in mortar.
Genus of 8-12 annuals and perennials from dry, sunny slopes in southern Europe, the Mediterranean, northwestern Africa and southwestern Asia.
C. ruber is the only species in common cultivation and comes in white and shades from pale rose-pink to dark crimson.
Very beneficial to insects but if bruised or damaged releases a rank odour.
Further Reading....
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HerbaceousEarly in the year, typically January till end of March, herbaceous plants might be supplied in 9cm pots to ensure timely despatch.Annuals, perennials and some subshrubs. Erect, branched stems, funnel-shaped red or white flowers.
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Full sunAt its best on old walls or stony banks.
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Additional FeaturesGood to knowWildlife plant - bees, butterflies, moths, insects. Deadhead to prolong flowering.Medicinal propertiesOften confused with Valeriana officinalis (common valerian), the medicinal native.Pests & DiseasesNone.Place of originSouthern Europe, Mediterranean, northwest Africa, southwest Asia. Naturalised in UK.
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Soil ConditionsNeutral to alkaline soilWell drained, dry, poor to moderately fertile soil
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WildlifeBee friendly
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Centranthus - Growing Guide
Herbaceous Plants - Video Collection
- Dividing Herbaceous Perennials - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Spring Planting Osteospermums - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Dividing Summer Perennials - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Dividing summer flowering Hemerocallis - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Summer propagation - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Self-seeding aquilegia - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Supporting Plants - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Dead heading meconopsis - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Dead heading Delphiniums - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Feeding herbaceous peonies - Video Tip ondemand_video
- Overpotting Problems - Video Tip ondemand_video
Buy Varieties of CENTRANTHUS

CENTRANTHUS ruber 'Albus'
Bouncing Bess, Drunken sailor, Red valerian
white form

CENTRANTHUS ruber 'Coccineus'
Bouncing Bess, Drunken sailor, Red valerian
red flowering form of this attractive plant which readily naturalises itself in banks and hedgerows in coastal areas
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50

Vermin & Pest Control
Slug Pellets
Slug killer blue mini pellets are easy to use and give effective control of slugs and snails.
Ideal in garden, conservatory or greenhouse.
Only £6.50