This showy perennial, also known as Jupiter's Beard and Keys of Heaven, is native to the Mediterranean regions of Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Turkey. Red Valerian, not to be confused with True Valerian (Valeriana officinalis), was used in ancient times in primitive embalming efforts. It forms a many-branched, woody-based plant with fleshy, blue-green foliage and dense clusters of flowers that re-seed readily. Philadelphia nurseryman Bernard McMahon listed this perennial as "Valeriana rubra--Red Garden Valerian" in his American Gardener's Calendar, 1806.

Visit Monticello’s Online Shop to check for seeds or plants of Red Valerian.

Typical Blooming Dates: May-November
Color(s): Reds, Pink, Purple
Location at Monticello: West Lawn