type : Perennials
sun exposure : Full Sun, Partial Shade
water : Drought Tolerant, Moderate Water
planting zones : US (Upper South) / Zone 6, MS (Middle South) / Zone 7, LS (Lower South) / Zone 8
Plant Details
Trouble-free plant from the Mediterranean. Self-sows prolifically, thanks to small dandelionlike parachutes on seeds. Forms a bushy clump to 3 feet high and wide, with upright stems bearing 4 inches-long bluish green leaves. Dusty crimson or rose-pink flowers about 12 inches long in dense terminal clusters bloom in late spring, early summer. 'Albus' is white.
Valerian puts on a long, showy display in difficult situations: It grows in poor, dry soil and accepts almost any condition except damp shade. Attracts butterflies. Cut off old flowering stems to shape plant, prolong bloom, and prevent self-seeding.