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UNUSUAL RED VALERIAN - KENTRANTHUS

A couple of years ago, at a garden center, a colorful picture on a bag of seeds caught my attention. It was valerian red, or centranthus. I liked the tall, slender shoots strewn with lush raspberry inflorescences. It was scary that I had cats that could ruin the plant. But the desire to grow such beauty* took over.

It turned out that I was worried in vain! Later I learned that this is a decorative form of valerian, which has nothing to do with medicinal. And the animals don't even pay attention to her. I am glad that I "settled" an amazing unpretentious plant in the garden. It captivates with its charm and gives a wonderful mood.

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WHAT RED VALERINA LOVES

Perennial native to the Mediterranean, where it grows on dry sunny slopes, so it loves well-lit areas with loose sandy alkaline soil.

Does not tolerate frequent moisture and stagnant water.

Responds well to nitrogen fertilization in spring and summer.

Pruning after the first wave of flowering stimulates the second - brighter, longer, almost to the snow.

Valerian is afraid of frost. I mulch the bush for the winter with humus and cover it with spunbond or cut branches, foliage.

Once every three years I rejuvenate plantings, removing old lignified shoots and leaving young growth.

REPRODUCTION OF KENTRANTHUS

Centrantus reproduces well by division, cuttings and seeds, which can be sown in open ground before winter or in spring (in March) for seedlings. I prefer the last way.

I prepare the substrate by mixing garden soil, humus and river sand in equal proportions. I sow seeds superficially, without sprinkling. I cover the trays with crops with foil and be sure to put them in the refrigerator for stratification for 3 weeks.

Then I transfer the containers to a well-lit warm place. I feed the seedlings once every two weeks with Energen and HB-101 (according to the instructions).

I plant the grown plants in open ground in mid-May immediately to a permanent place, because the kentrantus does not tolerate transplants.