How to Grow Valerian: Complete UK Guide

Valerian is one of those plants that commands attention the moment it hits its stride. By midsummer it stands well over a metre tall, its hollow stems topped with dense clusters of pale pink flowers that hum with bees from morning to dusk. The scent of the flowers is sweet and soft. The root, by contrast, has a famously earthy, almost overpowering smell — which has led to more than a few puzzled expressions from visitors to the herb garden who expected something altogether more delicate.

It is a plant with serious herbal credentials. Valerian has been used in herbal tradition for centuries — across ancient Greece, medieval Europe, and right through to the present day. It is traditionally associated with calm and sleep support, and remains one of the most widely used herbs in Western herbal practice. Growing your own is straightforward, deeply satisfying, and gives you access to a plant that is considerably harder to find as a quality growing specimen than you might expect.

What is Valerian?

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a fully hardy perennial native to Europe and parts of Asia. It belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family and in the UK it grows wild along riverbanks, in damp meadows and at woodland edges — exactly the kind of moist, fertile conditions it prefers in the garden. It dies back to the ground each winter and re-emerges in spring with vigour, often larger than the year before.

Do not confuse it with Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber), a common garden plant with no traditional herbal association — they are unrelated despite the shared name.

Growing Valerian in the UK

Soil and Position

Valerian performs best in moist, fertile soil with reasonable drainage. It tolerates a wide pH range — broadly 5.5 to 7.0 — and grows equally well in full sun or partial shade. It will grow in heavier soils than many herbs, which makes it useful where drainage is imperfect. What it will not tolerate is prolonged waterlogging.

When to Plant

Plant valerian plants in spring, from April through to May, once the risk of hard frost has passed. Autumn planting (September to October) is also possible and gives the plant a head start the following spring.

Planting Out

• Space plants 45-60cm apart — valerian spreads over time
• Plant at the same depth as the plug, firming the soil gently around the base
• Water in well after planting
• A mulch of garden compost around the base will help retain moisture in the first season

Watering and Feeding

Keep the soil consistently moist in the first growing season. Once established, valerian is largely self-sufficient in most UK gardens. Feed lightly with a balanced organic fertiliser in early spring. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds which encourage lush, floppy growth.

Staking

In exposed positions valerian can reach 1.5m and may need light support. A simple ring of canes and string around the base works well. In sheltered gardens it usually manages without.

Common Problems

Cats: Valerian root attracts cats. A small circle of chicken wire around young plants provides adequate protection until established.

Self-seeding: Valerian seeds freely. Deadhead spent flowers to limit spread, or allow it to naturalise in a wilder area.

Powdery mildew: Can occur in dry conditions. Improve air circulation and water at the base.

Harvesting Valerian

For herbal use, it is the root that is most commonly harvested — ideally from a plant in its second or third year. The best time is autumn, after the aerial parts have died back. Lift the root carefully, wash thoroughly, chop into small pieces and dry at low temperature (no more than 40°C). Store in an airtight jar away from light and heat for up to a year.

Leaves and flowers can also be used fresh in teas during the growing season. A blend of dried valerian root with lemon balm or chamomile softens the earthy taste.

Valerian in Herbal Tradition

Valerian has been used in herbal practice for at least two thousand years — valued by the ancient Greeks and Romans, widely used by medieval European herbalists, and still a staple of contemporary Western herbal practice. It is traditionally associated with calm, relaxation and sleep support. As with all herbs, we recommend consulting a qualified herbalist or healthcare professional before use, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.

Valerian in the Garden

Beyond its herbal value, valerian is genuinely beautiful — tall stems, soft floral clusters, and constant pollinator activity make it a standout plant for the back of a border. It grows naturally alongside meadowsweet and American skullcap — moisture-loving plants with a similarly naturalistic habit.

More in the Sleep & Calm Series

Valerian is one of the cornerstone plants in a garden grown for calm and sleep. Read our full cluster guide: Best Herbs for Sleep and Relaxation: A UK Grower's Guide, or explore:

• How to Grow Lemon Balm: Complete UK Guide
• How to Grow Chamomile: Complete UK Guide
• How to Make a Calming Herbal Tea Blend at Home
• How to Grow American Skullcap: Complete UK Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Valerian hardy in the UK?

Yes — fully hardy (RHS H7, hardy to below -20°C). Dies back in winter and re-emerges reliably each spring. No winter protection needed.

How long before Valerian is ready to harvest?

Wait until the plant's second or third year for root harvest. Leaves and flowers can be used from the first season.

Can I grow Valerian in a pot?

Possible but not ideal. Use the largest container you can manage (at least 40cm diameter, deep), fertile moisture-retentive compost, and water frequently.

Will cats dig up my Valerian?

The root is attractive to cats. Light protection (a small circle of wire netting) around young plants until they are established is wise.

The information in this article is intended for general interest and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any plant or herb for health purposes, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.