Red Valerian

[SueA]

Does anyone know anything about red valerians, have you grown any or know where I can get some seeds? They were growing everywhere in Wales last week & I thought they were lovely, they're not valerian officinalis the wildflower but are centranthus ruber which apparently escaped from gardens & now grow like wildflowers. I gather they are invasive but would love to try some here. I have red campions which I control by deadheading although they still pop up everywhere & reckon I could control the valerian & the slugs & snails wouldn't eat it if they thought it was a wildflower!

[Slug]

They're flowering all over the place here in Ireland at the moment, and they look beautiful. I didn't know what they were called, so I'm glad you posted this with a picture - thanks!

I'd love to know more about them too because I would love some in the garden (although... seeing how they pop up in the smallest cracks in the wall... I reckon they could be very invasive and I may live to regret introducing them to my garden !!)

Like you SueA, I really would hope that the slugs would see them as wild flowers and leave them alone - after all.... anything I plant, the slugs eat.... but anything weed-like that I don't want they leave alone Hopefully this will confuse my large slug population!

[Sweet Pea]

Hi there, no advice on growing it but like you I fell in love with it and managed to pick up some seeds at our local garden centre. They're from a company called Heritage Wild Flowers - website is www.heritagewildflowers.co.uk - not sure if you can order online but it may list suppliers.

Good luck!

[FoxHillGardener]

I had loads of it appear in my garden a couple of years ago. The first year they were all the normal pink, but this year there are dark pink and white ones, too. They self-seed all over but are easy enough to pull out if they're in the wrong place. I can collect you some seed and post to you if you like.

Last year I got a humming-bird hawk moth on it. I stood and watched it for ages and it didn't seem the slightest bothered by me. My Collins Guide to British Wildlife specifies valerian as being their favourite food. Not seen one yet this year but here's hoping.

[nick the grief]

HDRA sell seed & once you've got it it will stay with you forever It can be used as relaxant as well I think, not into homeopathy but the Herball book says "...natural remedy forInsomnia, nervous tension,anxiety & Hyperactivity"

[SueA]

Thanks everyone-I might take you upon your offer Foxhill if Ican't find any seeds.Been offline a few days as my modem has died and I'm typing this on my OH's blackberry!

[SueA]

Just ordered a catalogue off Heritage Wildflowers seeds Sweet Pea, thanks.
I think it might be the other valerian (officinalis) which is used as a herbal remedy Nick but I could do with some of it if that's what it cures!