White Sweetscented Valerian.

At a glance

Care level

Easy

Plant type

Perennial herb

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Indoor light

bright-indirect

Water

Every 3 to 7 days

Mature size

Up to 1.2m tall and 0.6m wide

Growth rate

medium

Hardiness

USDA 3 to 8

Bloom time

Late spring to mid-summer

Care

Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms or allow for seed production.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Feeding

Fertilize in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, or top-dress with compost.

Pruning

Cut back to the ground in late autumn or early spring to tidy up the plant and encourage new growth.

Repotting

Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years in spring, or divide clumps to rejuvenate them.

Soil

Well-drained, moist soil

Soil pH

5.5-7.0

Temperature

-20 to 30°C

Humidity

40 to 60%

Safety

People

Generally considered non-toxic, but consuming large amounts could potentially cause mild stomach upset or drowsiness.

Pets

May cause mild gastrointestinal upset in pets if ingested.

Children

While not highly toxic, it is always best to keep plants out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion or handling of potentially irritating parts.

Contact allergens

Some individuals may experience skin irritation upon contact with the plant.

Airborne allergens

The pollen, released during flowering, can be an allergen for sensitive individuals.

Edibility

While the roots have been used medicinally, it's best not to consume this plant without expert guidance.

How to identify it

• Compound, pinnately divided leaves
• Fuzzy, upright stems
• Sweetly scented, small white flowers
• Strong, musky aroma from roots
• Forms basal leaf rosettes
• Tall, erect growth habit

Height

0.6 to 1.2m

Spread

0.3 to 0.6m

Leaves

Green, deciduous

Flowers

White, 0.5 to 1cm

Common problems

• Aphids — Small, sap-sucking insects that can cluster on new growth and flower stalks, weakening the plant.
• Powdery Mildew — A fungal disease that appears as white, powdery patches on leaves and stems, especially in humid conditions.
• Leaf Spot — Fungal or bacterial infections causing discolored spots on the leaves, which can lead to premature leaf drop.

Growing it

Propagation

Division, Seed

When to plant

Spring, Autumn

Plant Valerian where its unique fragrance won't be overwhelming, perhaps towards the back of a border or near plants with sweeter scents.

Grows well with

• Bee Balm — Both plants attract pollinators and thrive in similar conditions, sharing a desire for moist soil and good air circulation.
• Joe Pye Weed — These tall perennials provide structure and attract beneficial insects, growing well together in moist garden spots.
• Astilbe — Astilbes offer attractive feathery foliage and flowers and appreciate the moist conditions Valerian prefers.

Keep away from

• Dry, sandy soils — Valerian prefers moist conditions and will not thrive in dry, nutrient-poor, or sandy soils.
• Full, intense sun all day — While it tolerates some sun, prolonged, harsh direct sunlight, especially in hot climates, can stress the plant.

Similar species

• Centranthus ruber (Jupiter's Beard) — Also known as Red Valerian, it has a similar common name and attracts pollinators, but it's in a different genus and prefers drier conditions.
• Valerianella spp. (Corn Salad/Lamb's Lettuce) — These are low-growing annuals in the same family, sometimes called 'Corn Salad,' but are grown for their edible leaves rather than their medicinal roots.

Science

Family

Caprifoliaceae

Genus

Valeriana

Order

Dipsacales

Class

Magnoliopsida

Native range

Europe and parts of Asia

Conservation

Not currently of conservation concern, but wild-collection should be done responsibly to ensure sustainable populations.

Valerian typically grows in damp meadows, woodlands, and along stream banks, where it can access consistent moisture and partial shade.

Value to wildlife

nectar source, larval host plant for some butterflies and moths

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, moths

Uses

medicinal herb, ornamental, attracts beneficial insects

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How do I grow Valerian?

Valerian prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can be grown from seed or by division.

When is the best time to harvest Valerian root?

The root is typically harvested in the fall of the second year of growth, after the plant has finished flowering.

Does Valerian attract pollinators?

Yes, its flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and moths, making it a great addition to a pollinator garden.

What is the smell of Valerian like?

The root has a strong, musky, and somewhat pungent odor that some people find unpleasant, but it's distinctive and associated with its medicinal use.

Where the name comes from

The common name 'Valerian' likely comes from the Latin word 'valere,' meaning 'to be well' or 'to be strong,' referring to its medicinal properties. The scientific name, Valeriana officinalis, also emphasizes its long-standing use as an official medicinal herb.

Good to know

• Valerian has been used for centuries as a sedative and sleep aid.
• Its scientific name, 'officinalis,' means 'of the apothecary' or 'used in medicine.'
• The root has a potent smell that some find unpleasant, but it's the source of its medicinal properties.
• It's sometimes called 'All-Heal' because of its perceived medicinal virtues.