Care of the plant Centranthus ruber or Red valerian |
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The Centranthus genus, family Caprifoliaceae, includes 12 species of annual, perennial or semi-shrubby plants native to the Mediterranean region and South Africa. Some species are: Centranthus ruber, Centranthus angustifolius, Centranthus calcitrapa, Centranthus macrosiphon. Common names: Red valerian, Spur valerian, Kiss-me-quick, Fox's brush, Devil's beard, Jupiter's beard. This species is native to the Mediterranean region. They are perennial plants that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. They have bluish-green leaves, in opposite pairs and lanceolate in shape. In the terminal inflorescences appear the small red, pink or white flowers, tubular in shape and with a long basal spur. They bloom throughout the summer until early fall. They are used for mixed borders, to form groups in the garden or in pots for terraces or balconies. Centranthus ruber needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. The ideal annual average temperature is 15-25 ºC (59-77 ºF); They are ideal for gardens with a Mediterranean climate. The soil can be a normal garden substrate with 1/4 of coarse and slightly limestone sand; they can grow on stony soils. Water in spring and autumn 2 times a week with little water; increase to 3 times a week in summer. In winter water little. They are very easy to grow plants that do not need pruning or fertilizers. They are quite resistant plants to pests and diseases; sometimes they can be attacked by aphids. They propagate by seeds or by division; they usually self-reproduce until they become invasive plants. |
Images of the plant Centranthus ruber or Red valerian |
 Centranthus ruber  Centranthus ruber  Centranthus ruber  Centranthus ruber  Centranthus ruber  Centranthus ruber |