Centranthus ruber

var coccineus

RED VALERIAN

SALE: Buy 1 get 2 packs

Centranthus ruber var coccineus
RED VALERIAN or RED KISS-ME-QUICK
SALE: Buy 1 get 2 packs

Centranthus ruber var coccineus is a tough old standby and a great favourite over many many decades.
Evidenced by the many affectionate common names it goes under.

Kiss-me-Quick

So Centranthus ruber var coccineus is also known as “Kiss-me-Quick” because it is so quick and easy to raise from seed. And so obviously loose with its favours (or is it really because the bees love the scented, nectar rich flowers so much).

Or “Red Valerian” because it resembles true Valerian (but without the calming effects as a medicinal plant – so do not eat it).
And also known as “Fox’s Brush” (the flowers are soft and fluffy),” Devil’s Beard” or “Jupiter’s Beard”.

Beautiful rich deep cherry red form

This is seed gathered from the beautiful rich, deep cherry red form (though some seeds may also throw colours of rose, soft pink, or white – the plant is promiscuous and the bees besotted by it).
Whatever colour they bloom, they are equally as tough and hardy, water-wise and forgiving.

Very quick & easy from seed to flower

Centranthus ruber var coccineus is easy to grow from seed and very long flowering.
Seed raised plants will flower in the first season when sown in the winter or spring.

Fragrant magnets for bees & honey-eating birds

The flowers are sweetly fragrant, and attract both birds and bees to the garden.
Though rabbits and deer do not enjoy the taste unless desperate.

Good cut flowers

Red Valerian also makes wonderful old fashioned cut flowers.

Tough & easy to grow

Centranthus ruber var coccineus forms a handsome, bushy mound, with succulent like, mid green glaucous leaves.

Tough as old boots

It is not a bit fussy about soil type and is reputed to be able to grow even in the toughest conditions, including in the cracks of walls.
And enjoys Full Sun to Light Shade. or just about anywhere.
It is both frost and dry hardy.
And will self seed around itself if you do not cut it back at the end of the season.

90cm. High in masses of fragrant bloom x 90cm. Wide attractive grey-green fleshy foliage.

SEED SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY
Suitable for beginners & gardening with kids

Can be scattered directly in the garden during spring / or for faster flowers sow indoors at any time

Sow indoors for quick plants & early flowers: First sow the seeds in a punnet on the surface of good quality potting mix.
Then just barely cover the seeds with sieved mix.
Because these seeds need light to germinate.

Now thoroughly moisten the mix by standing the punnet in a shallow water bath and allowing the moisture to percolate up to the surface from below.

And place the punnet in a warm, well-lit position (not in direct sunlight).
You can use a heat mat if you have one. But it is not essential al these seeds are very willing germinators.

Temperatures of 18-20 degrees C are ideal for rapid and optimum germination.
Continue to keep moist by misting from a spray water bottle as required.

Germination takes approximately 21-30 days.

Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to 8cm  pots and grow on. Acclimatise and plant out in late spring with 30cm spacing, Can be sown directly  October –Dec. Sow 2mm deep, thin to 30cm spacing.

Seed Count: 40 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count and give a generous serve).

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