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Centranthus ruber coccineus, commonly known as Red Valerian or Jupiter's Beard, is an Old World wildflower that deserves a spot in every garden where it will grow (USDA Zones 4-9). It forms a mound of gray-green foliage from which sturdy, branched stems rise, displaying clusters of long-lasting, pretty, fragrant, dark crimson flowers that are excellent for cutting and showing in a vase or floral arrangement. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators will flock to the flowers from mid or late spring through early summer. A tough, durable, and easy-to-grow plant, Red Valerian thrives in 5 or more hours of sun daily, fertile or poor, well-drained soil, and is highly drought tolerant when established. 

Growing 24 to 36 inches tall and equally as wide, Red Valerian is ideal for planting as an accent in small garden spaces and containers or in groupings where space allows. It is a fine addition to red-themed gardens, butterfly and beneficial pollinator gardens, hummingbird gardens, cut flower gardens, fragrance gardens, and cottage gardens.

Red Valerian is easy to grow in moist, well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline, fertile or poor soil. Once established, it has high drought tolerance. It will grow in full sun or light shade. At least five hours of sunlight daily is suggested for the best flowering and overall performance. Plant it with the top of the root ball even with ground level. Care and maintenance are minimal. Feed in spring with an organic plant food.