Centranthus ruber Kempenhof

Centranthus ruber Kempenhof, or Pink Valerian, is a perennial herbaceous, clump-forming plant. From July to September its upright stems bear beautiful fragrant, pink flowers in compact clusters. These funnel-shaped flowers are 1 to 2 cm (0 to 1in) long.

Pink Valerian has deciduous foliage, composed of lanceolate (lance-shaped), entire, and slightly toothed, dark green leaves, 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) long. The lower leaves are petiolate (attached to the stem by short stalks), while the upper leaves are sessile (directly attached to the stem). At maturity, Centranthus Kempenhof can reach a height of 80 cm (32in).

It is a very hardy perennial originally from the Mediterranean which attracts bees and other pollinators and self-seeds. You can grow it in flowerbeds, on dry slopes, or in rock gardens. It is sometimes used to decorate old walls and can grow in cracks or gaps everywhere.