Originally from the Mediterranean, this showy plant can be found on walls, waste ground, railway banks and cliffs. As it thrives in well-drained soils it is a perfect for planting on green roofs.
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Centranthrus ruber and Common Blue Butterfly
The plant also has a long flowering season from early summer well into autumn and is therefore an important nectar source late in the year for a range of butterflies, bees and other insects.
The beautiful crimson flowers are also attractive moths including Hummingbird hawk-moth, Yellow shell and Burnished brass moths.
It is best planted as a plug plant onto green roofs with a depth of at least 100mm. Valerian also self seeds so it will spread across the green roof in time.
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Centranthus ruber
It is best planted as a plug plant onto green roofs with a depth of at least 100mm. Valerian also self seeds so it will spread across the green roof in time.