Valeriana officinalis

RHS Plant Profile
common valerian

Other common names

all-heal, capon's tail, cat's valerian, cut-finger, cut-heal, garden heliotrope, hardy heliotrope, Hercules' all-heal, medicinal valerian, phu, set-wall, set-well, St George's herb, summer heliotrope, Vandal root, herb bennet

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Eurasia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist soil in full sun or dappled shade

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Can be cut back to ground level in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free