Also known as Red Valerian · 118 saves
Centranthus
Centranthus, the genus most gardeners know as red valerian. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Centranthus varieties
Species of Centranthus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Centranthus in Sow
Save the Centranthus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Centranthus
Whats common across all Centranthus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Centranthus year
- DeadheadMay–August100% of varieties
Remove spent flowers regularly to prevent aggressive self-seeding and prolong bloom
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back old, woody stems and dead foliage before new growth starts
- DivideMarch and September67% of varieties
Divide large, sparse clumps every 3-5 years in early spring or fall
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 💧
- Prune lightly after flowering ✂️
- Use organic compost to enrich soil 🌱
- Mulch around base to retain moisture
- Water regularly during dry spells 🌱
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t fertilize in late fall or winter
- Refrain from heavy pruning in late summer
- Never plant in poorly drained soil
What goes wrong with Centranthus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on foliage | Apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting and browning at soil line | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide if needed |
Making more Centranthus
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring; germination takes 2-3 weeks.
Cuttings
- Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Maintain humidity for 6 weeks until roots develop.
Centranthus questions
How many types of Centranthus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Centranthus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 118 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Centranthus grow in?
Across its varieties, Centranthus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Centranthus bloom?
Most Centranthus varieties bloom in early summer, late spring to summer, late spring. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Centranthus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.