Valerian Plant

The Valerian Plant brings centuries of herbal tradition, summer flowers and practical value to partly shaded gardens.

Valerian Plant with an ancient herbal story

Known botanically as Valeriana officinalis, this perennial is the official medicinal species, not a form selected for flower colour. Its recorded common names include Valerian, Common Valerian, Garden Valerian, European Valerian, English Valerian, Medicinal Valerian, True Valerian and Great Wild Valerian. Other traditional names include All-Heal, Garden Heliotrope, Cat’s Valerian, Cat Valerian, Cat’s Love, Setwall, Setewale, Amantilla, Baldrian and Phu.

Herbalists have valued its scented roots for calming preparations and bedtime tea. Germany’s Commission E approved valerian root for restlessness and nervous sleep disturbances. You can prepare fresh or dried root as tea, though its earthy aroma may surprise newcomers. Seek qualified advice before using medicinal herbs, particularly alongside sedatives or other medicines.

The plant develops upright stems and clusters of small white summer flowers. Mature plants reach about 1.5 metres high and wide, creating a meadow-like presence. The blooms bring movement to cottage, medicinal and wildlife-friendly gardens.

Growing a Valerian Plant

Native to Europe and northern Asia, the Valerian Plant prefers moist, rich soil and a protected position. Choose semi-shade or gentle sunlight, especially in hot Australian climates. It tolerates frost well but struggles during drought, so mulch generously and water consistently through dry periods.

This useful companion plant offers more than ornamental flowers. Its foliage can enrich compost with phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and zinc. Gardeners also associate valerian with increased earthworm activity and healthy decomposition. A leaf infusion has traditionally served as a garden spray intended to support plant resilience, including around seedlings vulnerable to damping off.

Plant it near a Passionflower Plant or Lemon Balm Plant to build a traditional herb garden. Allow room for its mature spread and harvest roots only from established plants. With moisture and shelter, this long-lived herb rewards gardeners with beauty, history and practical uses.