Valerian is an easy-to-grow plant that makes a fragrant addition to cottage gardens and perennial borders.
Kritsada Panichgul
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal use andfragrant flowers.
It’s also known as all-heal, alluding to its historical use as a remedy for numerous ailments.
Credit:Kritsada Panichgul
This clumping plant with compound leaves and thick, upright stems can reach 6 feet tall.
In summer, the tops of the stems are covered in clusters of tiny fragrant blooms.
It tolerates wet sites, making it a problem-solver for that damp corner of the yard.
Credit:Andy Lyons
It spreads by rhizomes or seeds and often grows in disturbed areas like roadside ditches or pipeline right-of-ways.
Where to Plant Valerian
Choose a location withpart shade to full sun.
While valerian will grow in partially shady locations, too much shade causes the stems to flop over.
Credit: Scott Little
Valerian likes consistently moist, loamy soil but tolerates less-than-ideal conditions and a range of pH.
Valerian is considered invasive in Connecticut and Wisconsin.
Check with your state before planting.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
The seeds need light to germinate, so dont bury them.
Use fresh seed; old valerianseed loses viability after a year.
Even fresh seeds usually germinate at only 60 to 70 percent.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It tolerates most soils and has deep roots.
Choose a sunny spot with some moisture, and it will be happy.
Light
Valerian enjoys full sunshine but will grow with four or more hours of sun daily.
Plantings in the shade may succumb to stem flop.
Soil and Water
Valerian is adaptable and grows in most soils, provided they arent soggy.
It isnt picky about pH but does best inslightly acidic to neutral soils.
Valerian enjoys consistent moisture levels but not wet or swampy conditions.
Drainage is still a requirement.
Provide supplemental water during the first year in between rain showers.
Temperature and Humidity
Valerian likes cool weather and does better in the northern part of the country.
It enjoys frequent rainfall and some humidity.
Fertilizer
Valerian doesnt need fertilizer, but it enjoys rich, loamy soil.
Anannual app of compostshould take care of it.
Pruning
Valerian spreads easily, socut off the flower heads after they bloombut before they disperse seeds.
Cut the old stems and foliage to the ground in fall or early spring.
Harvesting
Cut stems in summer for use in cut flower bouquets or to dry.
Wait until at least the autumn of the second year to harvest the roots.
You have to dig deep to get them all.
Wash the roots and allow them to dry in a warm area.
Many people dislike the smell of the drying roots, so do this outside.
Store pieces of root in an airtight container out of the sunlight.
How to Propagate Valerian
Valerian spreads by rhizomes and seeds.
If you already have a valerian plant at home,dividing the rootsis the quickest way to propagate it.
Using your hands or a garden knife, tease and pull the root clump into several pieces.
Replant each new piece and water it thoroughly.
Valerian Companion Plants
Mint
Any tallmint variety(Menthaspp.
), like spearmint, makes an excellent companion plant for valerian.
Most are hardy inUSDA Zones3-10 and vigorous.
This herb enjoys the same sun and soil characteristics as valerian.
Once established, its drought-tolerant and provides loads of bright, daisy-like blooms.
Bee Balm
Bee balm(Monardaspp.)
is a North American native and hardy perennial in USDA Zones 3-8.
It grows 3 to 6 feet tall and flowers abundantly.
Its upright form resembles valerian, and the plant is available in many colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Valerian is a fast grower that lives for about five years under ideal conditions.
Valerian is extremely cold-hardy and frost-resistant.
It dies back to the ground in winter and sends up new growth in early spring.
