Valerian
Valeriana officinalis · Caprifoliaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant valerian: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, disappears in winter
- Flowering
- June to August, white-pink flowers in umbels
- Adult size
- 80 to 150 cm tall
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, down to -15 °C
- Origin
- Temperate Europe and Asia
- Soil type
- Rich, moist, well-drained
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, especially during growth in spring and summer. Reduce watering in autumn and stop in winter when the plant is dormant. Avoid excess water that promotes root rot.
Light exposure
Choose a sunny to partly shaded location (at least 4 to 5 hours of direct sun). Valerian tolerates partial shade, particularly useful in warm regions where summer partial shade is beneficial.
Soil and substrate
Prefer rich, fertile and humus-rich soil, well-drained. Improve garden soil with compost or leaf mould. Good drainage prevents water stagnation that is detrimental to the rhizome.
Pruning and cutting
Cut back faded stems after flowering to encourage better branching. In late autumn, cut the plant completely to ground level. No formal pruning is necessary.
Fertiliser
Apply well-decomposed compost in spring or balanced slow-release fertiliser at the start of the growing season. Too much nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of roots.
Diseases and pests
Generally resistant. Watch for scale insects and aphids if grown in pots. Excessive moisture can promote leaf spots or mildew: ensure good ventilation and avoid spraying the foliage.
Did you know?
Official valerian has been used since ancient Greek and Roman times for its traditional soothing properties. Its Latin name "Valeriana" derives from the verb "valere" (to be strong), and it remained a classic in European herbal teas for centuries. Surprise: cats adore the smell of its dried roots, just like catnip!
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- HoneysuckleLonicera periclymenum
- Small scabiousScabiosa columbaria
- Red valerianCentranthus ruber
- Japanese honeysuckleLonicera japonica
- Himalayan honeysuckleLeycesteria formosa
- Involucred honeysuckleLonicera involucrata
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.