Red Valerian

Centranthus ruber

Caprifoliaceae--Honeysuckle Family

Propagation:

• Centranthus is a willing re-seeder and can become a bit weedy in a moist garden. Deadheading after the late spring/early summer flush of flowers will reduce unwanted seedlings.

Personality:

• They are pollinated by both bees and butterflies and the plant is noted for attracting insects. 
• After the second growing seasons, it only requires deep but infrequent watering. Take care not to overwater established plants.
• This plant doesn't like a rich, highly-amended soil.

Medicinal/Edible:

• Both leaves and roots can be eaten, the leaves either fresh in salads or lightly boiled, the roots boiled in soups. Opinions differ as to whether either make very good eating, however.