Valeriana officinalis

Valeriana officinalis (26/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1.5m

Eventual Spread: 1m

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Valerianaceae

Valeriana officinalis is a herbaceous perennial with an upright habit. Its mid green leaves are deeply lobed, up to 15cm long and 8cm broad. Its fragrant pink/ white flowers are up to 5mm across and appear in corymbs which are up to 10cm across. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its spread.

Valeriana officinalis Flower (26/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as Valerian, is native to Europe (including the UK) and temperate parts of Asia. In its native habitat it grow in grassland, scrub and woods. This plant has a long history of use as a medicinal herb.

The etymological root of the binomial name Valeriana is derived from the Latin valere meaning ‘healthy’. Officinalis is derived from the Latin translating as ‘of the shop’.

The landscape architect may find Valeriana officinalis useful as part of a wildlife garden planting scheme.

Valeriana officinalis Leaf (26/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically, Valeriana officinalis Its flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its foliage is attractive to some larvae of butterflies and moths.

Valeriana officinalis prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil although it dislikes strongly acid soils.

Valeriana officinalis requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring as the new leaves appear.

Landscape Architecture

Fedia cornucopiae

Fedia cornucopiae (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Spring to summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 35cm

Eventual Spread: 40cm

Hardiness: 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a

Family: Valerianaceae

Fedia cornucopiae is a herbaceous annual ruderal. Its mid green fleshy leaves are ovate with serrate margins and up to 15cm long. . Its hermaphrodite dark pink/ purple flowers and appear in terminal clumps.

Fedia cornucopiae Flower (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Fedia cornucopiae, commonly known as Cornucopia, Horn of Plenty, Fedia, African Valerian or Blood of Christ, is native to central and west Mediterranean Europe and north west Mediterranean Africa. In its native habitat it grows in open fields and rocky places. Its leaves are used as a salad crop in a number of Mediterranean countries.

The etymological root of the binomial name Fedia may be a corruption of the Greek name for Valerian, reader clarification would be welcome. Cornucopiae is from the Latin meaning ‘horn shaped (an emblem of abundance)’.

Fedia cornucopiae is of little use to the landscape architect, it may be grown for cut flowers.

Ecologically, Fedia cornucopiae is attractive to pollinating insects.

Fedia cornucopiae Leaf (23/03/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Fedia cornucopiae prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Fedia cornucopiae requires little maintenance.