About

This clump-foming herbaceous perennial to 1.5m tall, with aromatic, lime green, pinnate, basal and stem leaves composed of leaflets, the fleshy stems topped with rounded clusters of small pink or white flowers in summer.

About the genus

Valeriana can be annuals, herbaceous perennials or evergreen shrubs, with simple or pinnately lobed leaves and terminal sprays of small, white, pink or yellow flowers

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurasia
FragranceFoliage

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any moist soil in full sun or dappled shade
PruningCan be cut back to ground level in autumn
PropagationPropagate 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 resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free