Abundant Pink/Purple Flower/Weed

I've not seen this before (not that I've paid much attention in the past) but it seems to be every where this year.
Apologies for low quality pics - I've a cheapy camera and it was raining at the time

 

That is Red Valerian or Centranthus ruber as it's properly called

Link---> http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=364 also comes in white http://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselector/plant?plantid=365

 

Thank you very much =)

 

Its one of my favorites JustKia because it flowers for such a long time. And when, in a little while, it stops flowering - you just cut it back by half and within 3 or 4 weeks it will start flowering again.

It has a tap root (a long thick root that goes down very deep). That means that it is very drought resistant - because it can draw water up from deep down. But the root also means that you can't dig it up and move it like other plants. However it seeds very freely and you can collect and move the seedlings when they are small.

 

I've just inherited a garden and this is plotting world take over I'm sure I'll have to attempt to thin it out some, in fact there's lots of plants that are going to need thinning out I think.

 

i love it too,also so does the hawkmoth

 

Unfortunately, lovely wildflowers such as these are often dubbed as weeds. We all know that a "weed" is in the eye of the beholder, though. Protect them if you can!

 

it is a weed, however it is very pretty

 

It colonised bombed sites after the war, you will need to keep the seedlings in check or it really will take over the garden, if not the world.

I like to see it in waysides and where people obviously enjoy it but I've spent 30 years trying to keep it under control in my own garden because when I moved here it was already established in a boundary wall and despite trying everything short of taking down the wall, we've never been able to get rid of it. My mark of success is if it isn't in my border this year.

 

It is native to eastern Europe I believe but I like it as it brightens up our walls and paths... Good for wildlife too.. Between valerian, snapdragons and wallflowers, they've made a positive impact on our countryside and urban areas rather than a negative one. I can see why they would be a nuisance in flower bed situation if you're not going for the wildflower look however

 

valuable plant - you don't need to water in dry years and it can stand years wet at this one too, and looks as good as ever. Very practical, isn't it?

 

There is a white version and a red one - prettier than the pink one you've got. But all have a strong wish for life, which I think is the definition of a weed!

 

"Strong wish for life".... love that definition. Will remember it, thanks.