Red Valerian Pretty Betsy Red

This exceptionally low-maintenance perennial will guaranteed thrive best in a warm, sunlit spot. It doesn't like being waterlogged. On the contrary, it tolerates drought and is well-suited to well-draining sandy and rocky soil in the sun. It can grow in dry walls, where it is not threatened by excessive winter moisture. Plant the seedlings at a distance of roughly 45 centimeters, which corresponds to about 4 to 6 plants per square meter, so they have enough living space for their natural growth to a final height of 50 to 100 centimeters. This will ensure good air circulation, which is very beneficial for the plant's overall vitality and health.
Once the plant reliably takes hold and roots in its new spot after planting, it becomes a true master of surviving drought. It requires only minimal watering and can perfectly handle even relentless summer heatwaves, when other perennials are already losing their freshness. You really don't have to worry about fertilizing either, because Red valerian naturally and happily grows even in relatively poor soils. An unnecessary excess of nutrients from artificial fertilizers would rather harm it and lead to leggy and fragile growth. As for dreaded pests and garden diseases, you can remain completely calm. Pests and diseases give this aromatic plant a wide berth, so you are entirely spared any need to use chemical sprays or other protective products.
The single most important step in caring for Red valerian is a correctly timed summer pruning. It has an unrivaled, longest blooming period among perennials. Its breathtaking carmine flowers appear continuously from June right through to September. It self-seeds abundantly, so if you don't care for beds full of Red valerians, cut the plants back right after blooming. By cutting back, you will simultaneously encourage the setting of new flowers. With this gentle cutback, you will not only prevent the unwanted spread of seeds around the garden in time, but you will also keep this short-lived perennial much more vigorous and attractive throughout the entire summer season. Furthermore, you can cut its flowering panicles for a vase, where they stay fresh for a long time, naturally rejuvenating the plant in the process.
If you do not have your own garden, do not despair; Red valerian can be quite easily grown in a spacious container or deeper planter on a sunny balcony or terrace. When growing in a pot, however, it is absolutely crucial to ensure a perfect drainage layer at the very bottom and to significantly lighten regular substrate by mixing it with a larger proportion of coarse sand or fine gravel. Regarding overwintering, the frost resistance of this plant is excellent and in a garden bed it reliably handles temperatures down to -23 °C. For plants in containers, however, do not forget to move the pot under a roof for winter and protect it from excessive precipitation. The roots must not rot in the cold season due to prolonged winter waterlogging; the frost itself will not harm them.