Overview

Valeriana officinalis is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Valeriana, part of the Caprifoliaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1-1.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Valeriana officinalis grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates clay and loam soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow, wildlife gardens, flower borders and beds, coastal and city and courtyard gardens. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region and Walloon Region.

About

Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as common valerian, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial in the Caprifoliaceae family. It grows to a height of 1 to 1.5 metres with a spread of 0.5 to 1 metre, reaching full size in 2 to 5 years. This deciduous plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring west- or south-facing, sheltered positions. It prefers moist but well-drained clay or loam soils of various pH levels and is notable for its interest during both summer and winter seasons.

About the genus

Valeriana is a genus of flowering plants in the family Caprifoliaceae, members of which may be commonly known as valerians. It contains many species, including the garden valerian, Valeriana officinalis. Valeriana has centers of diversity in Eurasia and South America, and is represented by native species on all continents except Antarctica.

Wikipedia contributors, "Valeriana", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Valeriana

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Valeriana

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Clay, Loam

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

West-facing, South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Valeriana officinalis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1-1.5 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens, Flower borders and beds, Coastal, City and courtyard gardens

Native to

Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region

Fragrance

Strong, distinctive, musky scent especially from roots

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Valeriana officinalis

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade; benefits from regular watering during dry periods; mulch in winter to protect roots

Pruning

Cut back to ground level in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth

Propagation

Seed, Basal softwood cuttings, Division

Pest resistance

Aphids, Slugs, Snails

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions