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Valeriana officinalis subsp. sambucifolia (Elder-leaved valerian)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
1.8m
Max height
Max height
0.8m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Valeriana officinalis subsp. sambucifolia
Other names
Elder-leaved valerian
Genus
Valeriana Valeriana
Species
V. officinalis subsp. sambucifolia - V. officinalis subsp. sambucifolia is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with pinnate leaves divided into lance-shaped, toothed, mid- to bright green leaves and erect, branching stems bearing cymes of small, fragrant, funnel-shaped, pink or white flowers in summer.
Valeriana officinalis subsp. sambucifolia is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect flower stem, Clump-forming
Toxicity
Continual use, or high doses may cause severe discomfort and medical problems.
Flower
White, Pink in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
Cut to the base in autumn.
Propagation methods
Seed
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Where to grow
Valeriana officinalis subsp. sambucifolia (Elder-leaved valerian) will reach a height of 1.8m and a spread of 0.8m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Wildlife, Wildflower, Low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, City, Bees (attract & feed bees), Beds and borders
Cultivation
Grows best in any moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Do not allow soil to dry out. May need support.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Valeriana officinalis subsp. sambucifolia
Other names
Elder-leaved valerian
Genus
Valeriana Valeriana
Species
V. officinalis subsp. sambucifolia - V. officinalis subsp. sambucifolia is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with pinnate leaves divided into lance-shaped, toothed, mid- to bright green leaves and erect, branching stems bearing cymes of small, fragrant, funnel-shaped, pink or white flowers in summer.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect flower stem, Clump-forming
Toxicity
Continual use, or high doses may cause severe discomfort and medical problems.
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Colour
Flower
White, Pink in Summer
Foliage
Mid-green in Spring; Mid-green in Summer; Mid-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Pruning
Cut to the base in autumn.
Propagation methods
Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Valeriana officinalis subsp. sambucifolia (Elder-leaved valerian) will reach a height of 1.8m and a spread of 0.8m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Wildlife, Wildflower, Low Maintenance, Cottage/Informal, City, Bees (attract & feed bees), Beds and borders
Cultivation
Grows best in any moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Do not allow soil to dry out. May need support.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
M&G Investments, the title sponsor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, has commissioned designer Andy Sturgeon to create The M&G Garden for 2019’s Show. read more
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