Common Valerian
Valeriana officinalis
Also known as Valerian, European Valerian, Garden Valerian
Climate Match for your location
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A hardy perennial herb with fragrant pink or white flower clusters that bloom in summer, traditionally used for herbal remedies. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and tolerates part shade to full sun.
Why grow it
Common valerian is a cold-hardy perennial that establishes readily in mixed herb gardens and tolerates variable light conditions better than many medicinal herbs. Its substantial root systems can help break up compacted soil. While other Valeriana species exist, V. officinalis is the most widely cultivated in temperate regions and the species most extensively documented in herbal and horticultural literature.
Watch out for
Self-seeds prolifically once established, so deadheading spent flowers is necessary if you want to contain spread. The foliage develops a distinctly unpleasant smell when crushed or during senescence, which some gardeners find off-putting in close quarters.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Valeriana officinalis subsp. officinalis is the standard medicinal type; cultivars like 'Hochster' are selected for larger roots and higher active compounds. Regional landraces vary in potency and growing characteristics.
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A hardy perennial herb with fragrant pink or white flower clusters that bloom in summer, traditionally used for herbal remedies. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and tolerates part shade to full sun.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Common Valerian grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Common valerian is a cold-hardy perennial that establishes readily in mixed herb gardens and tolerates variable light conditions better than many medicinal herbs. Its substantial root systems can help break up compacted soil. While other Valeriana species exist, V. officinalis is the most widely cultivated in temperate regions and the species most extensively documented in herbal and horticultural literature.
Watch out for
Self-seeds prolifically once established, so deadheading spent flowers is necessary if you want to contain spread. The foliage develops a distinctly unpleasant smell when crushed or during senescence, which some gardeners find off-putting in close quarters.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
Native Range
Europe and Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar herbs you might consider:
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Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Valeriana officinalis subsp. officinalis is the standard medicinal type; cultivars like 'Hochster' are selected for larger roots and higher active compounds. Regional landraces vary in potency and growing characteristics.