Does it need a lot of water?

No, it is quite drought tolerant once established.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes, it grows well in containers if they have excellent drainage.

Plant guide

Red valerian.

Centranthus ruber

Pronounced sen-TRAN-thus ROO-ber

Also known as Bovisand-sailor, Jupiter's beard, Jupiter's-beard, Pretty Betsy, Red Valerian, Spur valerian

Red valerian is a charming, hardy perennial that brings a splash of color to sunny spots. It is famous for its long blooming season and ability to thrive in rocky, poor soil. You will love how it attracts butterflies to your garden.

Another photo of Red valerian — Photo by naturalist charlie (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 5 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to late summer

Care

Plant this in a spot with full sun and well draining soil to keep it happy. Watch for wilting if the soil stays too wet, as it prefers to dry out between drinks. Deadhead the spent blooms to encourage a second flush of flowers later in the season.

Watering: Water deeply once established, but allow the soil to dry out significantly between waterings.
Feeding: A light application of compost in the spring is usually plenty for this vigorous grower.
Pruning: Trim back spent flower stalks throughout the summer to promote continuous blooming.
Repotting: These plants prefer to stay in the ground, but if kept in containers, refresh the soil every few years.
Soil: Well draining, rocky, or sandy soil
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Temperature: -15 to 35°C
Humidity: 30 to 70%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Short-lived perennial, typically 3 to 5 years.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface for too long.
Plant growth slowing significantly.

Safety

People: The plant is not documented as toxic, but it is not intended for human consumption.
Children: The plant is not inherently dangerous, but children should be discouraged from eating any part of it.
Contact allergens: The sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can trigger mild reactions in those with seasonal allergies.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and should be avoided for consumption.

How to identify it

Clusters of small star shaped flowers
Blue green succulent like foliage
Opposite leaves on upright stems
Spur at base of flower

Height: 0.6 to 0.9m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: blue-green, grey-green, semi-evergreen
Flowers: red, pink, white, 0.5 to 1cm

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Powdery MildewCommon
Root RotUncommon
Slugs and SnailsUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, division, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: Cut back the foliage after the first frost to keep the plant tidy. Ensure the crown stays dry during winter to prevent rot.
In containers: It grows well in containers at least 30 centimeters wide, provided the potting mix is gritty and drains very quickly.

Seed

Sow seeds in trays in early spring.
Cover lightly with soil.
Keep moist until germination occurs.

Division

Dig up the clump in early spring.
Carefully pull the root mass apart.
Replant immediately into prepared soil.

Pair this plant with other drought-tolerant species to ensure they all thrive under similar watering schedules.

Grows well with

Lavender · They share similar requirements for sun and well-drained soil.
Catmint · The blue tones of catmint contrast beautifully with the red flowers of the valerian.

Similar species

Valerian · It shares a similar common name but has different medicinal uses and growth habits.

Science

Family: Caprifoliaceae
Genus: Centranthus
Order: Dipsacales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Mediterranean region
Conservation: It is considered an invasive species in some regions like California and should be managed accordingly.

It thrives in rocky, well-drained soils where it can easily colonize disturbed sites.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies, moths
Uses: cottage gardens, rock gardens, pollinator borders, dry stone walls

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 4/9
Soil reaction: 7/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 3/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need a lot of water?: No, it is quite drought tolerant once established.
Can I grow it in a pot?: Yes, it grows well in containers if they have excellent drainage.

Where the name comes from

The genus name comes from the Greek words kentron for spur and anthos for flower, referring to the spurred base of the corolla.

Good to know

It is commonly called Jupiter's beard.
The plant thrives in poor, alkaline soils.
It is highly tolerant of salt spray in coastal areas.
Deadheading spent blooms can encourage a second flush of flowers.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.