Valeriana phu 'Aurea'

RHS Plant Profile
golden spikenard 'Aurea'
golden spikenard 'Aurea' RHS
Herbaceous Perennial

A rhizomatous perennial forming a clump of scented leaves, the basal ones simple, those on the stems pinnate, all opening yellow in spring, becoming yellowish-green by summer; sprays of small white flowers open in early summer

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Caprifoliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant in any moist, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division or propagate by seed in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

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

Pruning

Cut back to ground level at the end of the growing season

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free