This perennial has an upright-branched habit with hollow stems that form a open rounded habit. It has dark green broad lanced-shaped leaves and small funnel-shaped fragrant pink flowers appear in dense conical clusters above the foliage during late spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 5 to 10 

Centranthus ruber is naturally found from southern Europe to North Africa growing in poor very well drained drier chalky soils among rocks. It prefers a open sunny position and is drought tolerant but heavy-frost tender.

Red Valerian is a perennial shrub that is grown for its rounded habit and its colourful long lasting flowers. It is planted in cottage gardens in pots or tubs or rockeries tolerating dry and exposed conditions. It is also used in herbaceous borders and establishes from division in 1 to 2 years and is bee attracting. ID 1444

Centranthus (ken-TRĂN-thus) rubber (RU-ber)

Valerianaceae (val-ER-ee-an-AY-see-ee)