Plant Overview
The red form of False Valerian. Not technically native to the UK, you could be forgiven for thinking that it is since it has naturalised widely across the country. Originally from the Mediterarian region, it came to Britain with the Romans and was known to the Anglo-Saxons as Setewall.
It will grow in any well-drained soil. A drought tolerant and bulletproof plant.
Flowers all summer and is absolutely loved by bees and other pollinators. Will self-seed.
Also available in white.
Height and spread: 60cm x 30cm
Common names: False Valerian; Pretty Betsy; Drunkan Sailor; Bouncing Bess; Jupiter's Beard; Setewall.
Photo: Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons