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The Red Valerian Plant: A Complete Guide and Care Tips
Gardening can be both relaxing and exciting at the same time.
One of the most beautiful plants to have in your garden is the red valerian or Centranthus ruber.
This plant is a favorite among gardeners because of its striking appearance, low maintenance, and many benefits.
In this guide, we will take a closer look at what makes this plant so special, how to care for it, and some tips on growing it successfully.
What Is Red Valerian?
The red valerian plant is also known as Jupiter’s beard or spur valerian.
It belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family of flowering plants that are native to Europe but can now be found in many parts of North America as well.
The red valerian plant has bright pink-red flowers that bloom from late spring through summer into early autumn.
This perennial herb grows up to three feet tall with gray-green leaves that are lance-shaped and slightly toothed along their edges.
Benefits of Growing Red Valerian Plants
- Red valerians attract butterflies, bees, hummingbirds which help pollinate your garden.
- This beautiful flower adds color and texture to any garden design while being extremely easy-to-grow.
- Their drought tolerance makes them an excellent choice for water-wise gardens or areas with poor soil conditions
- You can also use them as cut flowers in arrangements indoors!
Caring for Your Red Valerians
Sunlight Requirements:
Red valerians thrive best when planted in full sun which means they need a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight every day.
However, they can also grow in partial shade or dappled light, but this will result in fewer blooms.
Soil Requirements:
The red valerian plant prefers well-drained soil that is slightly alkaline with a pH of 7 or higher.
Avoid planting your valerians in heavy clay soils that retain moisture as this could lead to root rot.
Watering:
Once established, red valerians are drought-tolerant and require little watering.
Water them deeply once a week during dry periods making sure to avoid overwatering which could cause root rot.
Growing Red Valerian Plants
Propagation:
- You can grow red valerians from seeds by planting them directly into the soil after the last frost date has passed in spring.
- Dig holes about six inches apart and sprinkle two or three seeds per hole then cover the seeds with soil.
- In two weeks’ time, you should see sprouts emerge from the ground!
Pest Control:
In general, red valerians are pest-free plants but sometimes aphids may attack them especially during prolonged periods of heat and drought.
If you spot any aphids on your plants, you can easily remove them by spraying your plant with a garden hose or using insecticidal soap spray available at most garden centers.
Conclusion
The Red Valerian plant is not only beautiful but also extremely easy-to-grow which makes it an ideal choice for beginner gardeners who want to add some color and texture to their gardens without too much hassle! Just remember that these plants prefer full sun exposure coupled with well-drained soil so make sure to choose a suitable location for planting.
With proper care and attention, your red valerians will grace your garden year after year.
