La Red valerian (Centranthus ruber) is one of the most appreciated perennial plants in gardening and landscaping, noted for its resistance, prolonged flowering and visual appeal. Also known as Milamores, St. George's Wort, Centranto o False valerianThis species combines extraordinary adaptability with easy maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both experienced and beginner gardeners. In this article, we'll delve into its botanical characteristics, varieties, ornamental and medicinal properties, as well as the most effective care options to ensure it thrives in your garden, terrace, or balcony.
Botanical description and origin of red valerian
El Centranthus ruber belongs to the family Caprifoliaceae, although it was traditionally classified in Valerianaceae. It is a perennial herbaceous plant, primarily Mediterranean in origin, although today it is naturalized in many temperate climate regions, including parts of southwestern Europe and North Africa. It is very common to see them colonizing ruins, walls, rocky slopes, embankments, and roadsides thanks to their hardiness.
This species usually reaches heights of between 40 and 100 cm, depending on the growing conditions. Its Leaves are fleshy, lanceolate, bluish-green in color and grow opposite each other on erect, branched stems. They form a dense, vigorous clump capable of covering large areas, ideal as a ground cover or for controlling erosion on slopes and stone walls.
- Flowering: It produces terminal inflorescences in the form of dense corymbs, composed of small tubular flowers of red, pink or white, very attractive for their intense color and subtle aroma.
- Estate: It has a rhizomatous system, which allows for lateral propagation and the ability to regrow under adverse conditions.
There are ornamental varieties with white or pink flowers in addition to the classic red, allowing different shades to be combined in gardens, rockeries and mixed flower beds.
Main common names and curiosities
Red Valerian is known under multiple popular names:
- Milamores
- St. George's Wort
- Weakling
- Jupiter's Beard (Jupiter's beard, in English)
- Nonsense
- False valerian
An interesting curiosity is that, despite sharing part of its name with the Valeriana officinalis (authentic medicinal valerian), Centranthus ruber It is used primarily for ornamental purposes. However, in some regions its young leaves have been consumed in salads or cooked, and some people attribute to it properties of a slight sedative or antispasmodic effect.
Ornamental uses of red valerian
Due to its long-lasting and colorful flowering, red valerian is used in:
- Mixed borders with other perennial herbaceous plants
- Massifs and individual groups in low-maintenance gardens
- Rockeries, slopes and arid areas, where other plants do not thrive
- Rocky walls and escarpments (even in stone cracks or old walls)
- Mediterranean and wild style gardens
- Large pots and planters on sunny terraces and balconies
In addition to its aesthetic function, attracts butterflies and bees thanks to the nectar of its flowers, promoting biodiversity and pollination of the environment.
Main characteristics of red valerian
- Level: It can vary between 40 and 100 cm.
- Stems: Erect and branched, very resistant.
- Sheets: Opposite, fleshy, greyish green to bluish in colour, lanceolate in shape and with somewhat toothed edges.
- Flowers: Tubular, small, in terminal clusters on the foliage. Red predominates, but pink and white varieties exist.
- Fragrance: Soft, pleasant and mellow.
- Life cycle: A perennial and rustic species that can persist for several years in the garden.
- Regrowth capacity: Thanks to its rhizomes, it can survive cold winters and regenerate in spring.
Flowering time and duration
The main ornamental virtue of the Centranthus ruber resides in your extraordinary capacity for continuous flowering. Its flowers appear from spring to well into fall, especially if the dried inflorescences are removed. This guarantees color and fragrance in the garden for a long time, much longer than with other traditional perennials.
Ideal climate and resistance
Centranthus ruber is perfectly adapted to the Mediterranean climate. It prefers areas with mild winters and warm summers, but adapts to other temperate climates, being able to withstand:
- High temperatures and drought once established
- Moderate cold and even some light frosts
- Strong winds and coastal environments, thanks to its tolerance to certain environmental salinity
In the case of intense or persistent frosts, the above-ground part may disappear, although the rhizomes usually sprout vigorously the following spring.
Sun exposure and location
To obtain a flowering abundant and long-lasting, red Valerian should preferably be placed in full sun. It also tolerates semi-shadow, although in this case the intensity and quantity of flowers is significantly reduced.
- It is not recommended for shady or densely shaded gardens, as its development and flowering will be very limited.
Soil and substrate requirements
One of the greatest attractions of Centranthus ruber is its ability to grow in poor, arid or stony soilsThe basic requirements are:
- Excellent drainage: It does not tolerate waterlogging or permanent humidity.
- Floor type: It adapts to both calcareous and slightly acidic soils, although it thrives best in alkaline, sandy or calcareous substrates, and even with appreciable percentages of gravel or stone.
- Substrate richness: It is not demanding in organic matter, but the soil can be enriched with compost or natural fertilizer at the beginning of development if you want to enhance its vigor and flowering.
- pH: It tolerates a wide range; ideally neutral to alkaline.
- Pots: Use substrates for perennial plants or light mixes with ¼ of coarse sand to improve drainage.
Irrigation and water needs
La Red valerian is one of the species more resistant to drought once it has fully taken root. Ideally, it should be handled as follows:
- Moderate irrigation: Allow the substrate to dry almost completely between waterings.
- Hot season: In the summer months, water only when the top layer of the substrate is dry (usually 2 to 3 times per week in very hot climates, less in temperate regions).
- Autumn and spring: Reduce watering to once or twice a week, depending on rainfall and humidity.
- Winter: Virtually stop watering outdoor gardens, especially if the plant is going dormant.
- Avoid puddles: Excess water can cause root rot and plant death.
Fertilization and manure
Despite its rusticity and low maintenance, the Red valerian can benefit from a soft fertilizer to enhance flowering, especially in pot-grown specimens:
- Soil fertilizer: Generally, it does not need periodic fertilization in garden soil, but a light application of compost or balanced fertilizer at the beginning of spring improves its vigor.
- Potted fertilizer: Use liquid fertilizer for flowering plants or guano once a month during spring and summer, avoiding excess.
Pruning and maintenance
La pruning It is a fundamental aspect to maintain the compact appearance and stimulate new flowering:
- Removing dried flowers: It encourages the appearance of more inflorescences, prolonging flowering until autumn.
- Formative pruning: After the main flowering period, cut the flower stems to ground level to rejuvenate the plant and control its expansion.
- In pots: It is advisable to divide and transplant the plants every 4-5 years to renew vigor.
- Season finale: In autumn or early winter, more drastic pruning can be performed to facilitate regrowth in spring.
Multiplication and reproduction
Red Valerian is easily propagated by:
- Seeds: Direct sowing in spring or fall. Seeds germinate well without special treatment.
- Division of bushes: Ideally, it should be carried out at the end of winter or beginning of spring, separating the rhizomes and transplanting them to new locations.
- Self-propagation: Plants tend to reseed themselves spontaneously, which can make them potentially invasive species if left unchecked.
Pests, diseases and resistance
Centranthus ruber stands out for its great resistance to pests and diseasesOnly in specific cases, and generally in very humid environments, may the following appear:
- Aphids: They can attack young shoots, but are usually easily controlled.
- Root rot: Caused by overwatering or poorly drained soils.
- Snails and slugs: They can damage leaves in cool, humid environments, although they rarely seriously affect the plant.
It is not usually affected by fungi or other major diseases. To prevent problems, simply avoid excess humidity and maintain a well-ventilated environment.
Possible additional uses and precautions
Although its main value is ornamental, there are some interesting considerations:
- Edibility: In certain regions, the young leaves have been used in salads or cooked, always in moderation and with caution.
- Folk medicine: It has traditionally been used as a mild sedative or antispasmodic in infusions, although its properties are not as well-known as those of authentic valerian.
- Non-toxic to pets: It is not considered dangerous for dogs or cats, although they should not ingest it in large quantities.
- Avoid invasiveness: In some environments, red valerian can behave invasively, displacing native flora, so it is advisable to control its development and remove the flowers before they form seeds if its spontaneous spread is not desired.
Compatibility and combinations in the garden
Thanks to its versatility and rusticityRed valerian is perfect for combining with other drought-resistant plants such as lavender, santolina, gaura, rosemary, thyme, euphorbia, or ornamental grasses. If you want to expand your collection of aromatic plants, you can also consult aromatic plants to complement your green spaces.
