Photo: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Red valerian: when and how to prune
Centranthus ruber
Red valerian is best pruned in March and July–August.
| Pruning months | March and July–August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | May–October |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees and butterflies |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Red valerian: when to prune it?
After the first flush of flowers in July, faded clusters in August, and a tidy-up of old stems in March.
Red valerian: how to prune it?
- In July, cut faded stems back by about half: a second flush follows a few weeks later.
- In August, remove faded clusters before they turn fluffy if you want to limit self-seeding.
- In March, cut old, dead stems back to just above the new leaves at the base.
- Let a few clusters set seed if you want young plants to replace old, woody ones.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July–August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Red valerian flowers in May–October, when it attracts bees and butterflies.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Red valerian · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.