Valerian Valeriana officinalis
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a deciduous perennial herb in the Caprifoliaceae family, native to Europe and temperate Asia. It grows 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) tall and 60–90 cm (24–35 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -34 °C (-29 °F). Space plants about 70 cm (28 in) apart.
Plan Valerian in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Valerian at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Caprifoliaceae |
| Mature height | 1.2–1.8 m (3.9–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 60–90 cm (24–35 in) |
| Spacing | 70 cm (28 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -34 °C (-29 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Europe and temperate Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Valerian toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Listed as non-toxic by ASPCA; the root is a mild sedative herbal ingredient and cats are attracted to it.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Valerian
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Valerian
- How far apart should I plant Valerian?
- About 70 cm (28 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 60–90 cm (24–35 in).
- Does Valerian need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Valerian need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Valerian?
- It tolerates about -34 °C (-29 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Valerian flower?
- From about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Valerian poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Listed as non-toxic by ASPCA; the root is a mild sedative herbal ingredient and cats are attracted to it.
- What grows well with Valerian?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Valerian. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Usually flowers from its second summer. Root smell attracts cats.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Corn salad (lamb's lettuce) Valerianella locusta
- Haskap (honeyberry) Lonicera caerulea
- Red valerian Centranthus ruber
- Common honeysuckle (woodbine) Lonicera periclymenum
- Weigela Weigela florida
- Field scabious Knautia arvensis
- Twinflower Linnaea borealis
- Ominaeshi (golden lace, Patrinia) Patrinia scabiosifolia