Valeriana officinalis subsp. sambucifolia
elder-leaved valerian
A clump-foming herbaceous perennial to 1.5m tall, with aromatic, bright green, pinnate and finely toothed basal and stem leaves composed of leaflets. The fleshy stems are topped with rounded clusters of small pink or white flowers in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical 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
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any moist soil in full sun or dappled shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or propagate by basal softwood cuttings in spring or by division in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Can be cut back to ground level in autumn
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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