Centranthus ruber

red valerian

• Position: full sun
• Soil: well-drained, neutral to alkaline
• Rate of Growth: fast-growing
• Flowering period: July to October
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Dense clusters of reddish-pink flowers appear from July to October on tall, fleshy stems with glaucous leaves. Red valerian is long flowering and easy-to-grow. It's ideal for a sunny wildflower or seaside garden, with poor, but well-drained soil, or for growing between the cracks in walls. It self-seeds freely and prefers a chalky or alkaline soil.
  
  
• Garden care: Deadhead regularly throughout the summer to prolong flowering. In autumn cut the plant back down to the ground and compost the dead stems.