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Herbaceous Perennial

Valeriana officinalis subsp. sambucifolia
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

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 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Pink White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
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

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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