Centranthus ruber

Family: Valerianaceae

Common names: FOXS BRUSH, JUPITERS BEARD, KEYS OF HEAVEN, RED VALERIAN, VALERIAN

Synonym: Centranthus ruber red valerian

Native to: Europe, Northern Africa To Asia Minor

Plant

Type: perennial

Forms: clumping, erect, spreading

Leaves deciduous

Leaves evergreen

Max height: 2.75 feet

Max width: 2.75 feet

Flower

pink, red

Leaf

green

Horticulture

Attracts wildlife: adult butterfly, specific butterfly species

Plant features: deciduous, evergreen, invasive, self-sows

Exposure: sun

Landscape use: flower fragrant

Invasive

Propagates by: seed

flowers in spring

flowers in summer

Soil types: average, well drained

USDA Zones: zone 5 to -20 f, zone 6 to -10 f, zone 7 to 0 f, zone 8 to +10 f, zone 9 to +20 f, zone 10 to +30 f

Temp. range: -20 to +40 °F

Water: dry, moderate

Butterflies that feed on this plant

Agraulis vanillae

Battus philenor

Codatractus arizonensis

flower

leaf

branch

apical

Centranthus ruber, a Valerianaceae, is also called KEYS OF HEAVEN or RED VALERIAN. It is a naturalizing perennial that grows in meridians, abandoned lots, any small crack in the cement found within its range, and just about any hospitable square-inch of front yard found near these aforementioned locales. Centranthus ruber is cultivated and grows from seed. It grows in Zones 5-10 in moderate to drought watering conditions.

RED VALERIAN will attract numerous butterflies to feed including the diminutive Pyrgus communis, Common checkered skipper.

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