Because of their naturally compact growth habit, Red Valerian (Centranthus) doesn’t really *need* a regular haircut. However, there are definitely times when grabbing your garden shears is a smart move. Getting the timing right is the secret to a happy, healthy plant!
Generally, No Pruning Required
Red Valerian is one of those “set it and forget it” plants. It’s incredibly low-maintenance and doesn’t demand pruning to stay healthy. As long as it’s in the right spot, your Centranthus will thrive and even spread on its own without you lifting a finger.
Why You Might Want to Prune Anyway
Even though it’s not strictly necessary, there are a few good reasons to give your plants a trim:
- To tidy up faded flowers.
- To stop it from taking over your garden (self-seeding).
- To encourage a second flush of blooms.
- To take cuttings for propagation.
Deadheading Faded Blooms
Once the flowers fade, they can look a bit messy and brown. If you want to keep things looking neat, just snip the spent flower stalks down close to the ground. Keep in mind that by doing this, you’re removing the seeds, which prevents the plant from spreading itself around.
Here’s a pro tip: Leave those clippings on the ground around the base of the plant over the winter. Even though Red Valerian is hardy and doesn’t strictly need a protective mulch layer, those decaying stems act as a natural fertilizer and help the soil retain moisture.
Pruning to Prevent Self-Seeding
Red Valerian is a pro at self-seeding. If you don’t want it popping up in every corner of your garden, you’ll need to act before the seeds develop. The best time to prune is immediately after the flowers fade. By cutting them back right away, you stop the seed production in its tracks.
Pruning for a Second Bloom
With a little bit of luck, a strategic trim can actually trick your plant into blooming twice in one season! After the first round of flowers is done, cut the shoots back by a few inches. If the plant still has enough energy and healthy foliage, you might see a second wave of beautiful blossoms around August.
Taking Cuttings for Propagation
Another reason to reach for the shears is if you want to grow new plants from cuttings. You’ll need to snip off a few healthy stems and let them root in some potting soil. Just a heads-up, though: this method is a bit more time-consuming and less reliable than simply letting the plant self-seed or dividing the root clump.
