Centranthus alba

Common Name:
White Valerian

Description:
Centranthus alba, commonly known as White Valerian, is a charming and free-flowering perennial prized for its soft clusters of white blooms and relaxed cottage garden appeal. Flowering generously from spring through to autumn, the delicate flower heads rise above blue-green foliage on slender stems, creating a light and airy effect in the garden. This hardy and drought tolerant plant thrives in Melbourne’s climate and performs exceptionally well in sunny, well-drained positions, including poor or rocky soils. White Valerian is ideal for cottage gardens, borders, rockeries and naturalistic plantings, where it attracts bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators. Its ability to self-seed gently into garden crevices and pathways adds to its informal charm, while its long flowering season provides months of colour with very little maintenance.

Form:
• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
• Height: 60–90 cm
• Width: 45–60 cm

Aspect:
• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:
• Flowers in Spring
• Flowers in Summer
• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:
• White

Key Attributes:
• Bee Attracting
• Butterfly Attracting
• Drought Tolerant
• Herbaceous
• Long Flowering
• Low Maintenance
• Perennial
• Suitable for Cottage Gardens
• Suitable for Cut Flowers
• Suitable for Rockeries
• Suitable for Waterwise Gardens

Toxicity:
Generally considered non-toxic to humans and pets.

Companion Plants:
• Lavender
• Salvia
• Gaura
• Nepeta (Catmint)
• Verbena bonariensis
• Achillea (Yarrow)