About

A bushy, herbaceous perennial to 1.2m with large, heart-shaped leaves and small, pale purple flowers produced in rounded clusters in late spring and early 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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPrairie planting, Cottage and informal garden
Native toPyrenees

Care notes

CultivationGrow in any moist soil in full sun or dappled shade. Tends to self seed
PruningNone pruning required, other than cutting back to ground level in autumn
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in the open, or by division in spring or autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free