Centranthus ruber 'Pretty Betsy' – Charming pink cut flower for cut flowers and field bouquets

Centranthus ruber 'Pretty Betsy', also known as valerian or garden valerian, is an attractive and versatile cut flower with pink-red flower heads and an airy, playful appearance. This variety combines robust growth with graceful flowers, making it ideal for cut-flower bouquets, field bouquets, and creative flower arrangements.

Thanks to its long, sturdy stems and soft pink flowers, 'Pretty Betsy' is a favorite with both professional cut flower growers and hobby florists who want natural, romantic colors in their bouquets.

Pink-red flowers with an airy picking structure

'Pretty Betsy' is distinguished by its delicately patterned, spherical flower heads in a charming pinkish-red hue. The flowers are small but plentiful, creating an airy, natural look that adds a playful touch to cut-flower bouquets.

These properties make the flower ideal for:

• field and picking bouquets with a romantic look

• bridal bouquets and ceremonial flower creations

• botanical and modern flower arrangements

• creative interior styling and events

The soft pink shade complements white, pink or lilac flowers beautifully and adds a subtle, natural charm to any bouquet.

Strong, long cutting stems

Centranthus ruber 'Pretty Betsy' develops straight, sturdy stems of 50–80 cm, depending on location and care. The stems are robust and can withstand transport, making the flower suitable for professional cut flower growers and wholesalers.

The branched growth of the plant produces multiple harvestable stems per season, making the variety attractive to commercial growers and pick-your-own gardens.

Long vase life and versatile applications

The flowers of 'Pretty Betsy' have a vase life of 5–8 days, especially when cut half-open. They retain their shape and color well, making them ideal for:

• picking bouquets and field bouquets

• bridal bouquets and wedding styling

• packages for hotels and events

• airy, playful floral designs

The combination of sturdy stems and numerous flower heads makes this pink-red variety versatile and aesthetically attractive.

Excellent as a dried flower

Besides fresh use, Centranthus ruber 'Pretty Betsy' is excellent for dried flowers. By harvesting the flowers half-open and drying them slowly, the flower heads retain their shape and delicate color. Dried 'Pretty Betsy' is ideal for:

• picking bouquets and field bouquets

• sustainable interior decoration

• boho and prairie style arrangements

• long-lasting flower arrangements

The pink shade remains charming and playful even after drying.

Cultivation advice for optimal cut stems

'Pretty Betsy' grows best in full sun in well-drained, light soil.

Important cultivation points:

• Sowing: February–April under glass or directly outside from April

• Plant out: after the last frost

• Planting distance: 25–30 cm for strong stems and good air circulation

• Soil: well-drained, not too heavy; tolerant of dry conditions

• Water: regularly for young plants; moderately once established

• Nutrition: Light fertilization encourages strong stems and many flowers

• Support: usually not necessary due to compact growth

• Harvest: when the flower heads are half to almost fully open

Regular harvesting promotes new flowering and extends the harvest period.

Why choose Centranthus ruber 'Pretty Betsy'?

• Charming pink flower heads

• Long, sturdy cutting stems (50–80 cm)

• Long vase life of 5–8 days

• Perfect for fresh and dried flower creations

• Uniform and robust growth

• Ideal for cut bouquets, field bouquets and bridal work

• Easy to grow and low maintenance