Overview
Valeriana officinalis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Valeriana, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Valeriana officinalis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, city and courtyard gardens, coastal and wildlife gardens. It is native to Eurasia.
About
Valeriana officinalis is a herbaceous perennial that typically reaches heights of up to 1.5 meters. It forms dense clumps and features aromatic, bright green leaves that are pinnate, with both basal and stem leaves made up of multiple leaflets. In summer, the thick stems bear rounded clusters of small pink or white flowers.
About the genus
Valeriana comprises annuals, herbaceous perennials, and evergreen shrubs. The leaves can be simple or pinnately lobed, and the plants produce terminal clusters of small flowers that may be white, pink, or yellow.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Valeriana
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Valeriana officinalis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Eurasia
- Fragrance
- Foliage
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Valeriana officinalis
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moist soil in full sun or dappled shade
- Pruning
- Can be cut back to ground level in autumn
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed in containers in the open, or take basal cuttings (see softwood cuttings) in spring. Can also be propagated by division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Valeriana officinalis?
Grow in any moist soil in full sun or dappled shade.
Where is the best place to plant Valeriana officinalis?
Valeriana officinalis prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Valeriana officinalis need?
Valeriana officinalis grows best in clay and loam soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Valeriana officinalis?
Can be cut back to ground level in autumn.
How big does Valeriana officinalis grow?
Valeriana officinalis reaches a height of 1-1.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Valeriana officinalis hardy in the UK?
Valeriana officinalis has a UK hardiness rating of H4.
How do I propagate Valeriana officinalis?
Propagate by seed in containers in the open, or take basal cuttings (see softwood cuttings) in spring. Can also be propagated by division in spring or autumn.
Is Valeriana officinalis good for pollinators?
Yes — Valeriana officinalis attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.