• Used as a sedative
• Aromatic
• Easy to maintain
• Attracts bees and moths

An attractive perennial with umbels of white flowers, it is actually the strong smelling valerian root that is used medicinally to treat anxiety, insomnia and hysteria. It was used during World War One to treat soldiers suffering shell shock and is mentioned in Anglo Saxon herbals.

Plant care

• Height: 60-100cm
• Type: Hardy
• Aspect: Sun/
• Soil: Any/alkaline
• Flower colour: White
• Flowering period: July – September

A lovely perennial for the garden valerian is an easy herb to grow. Although it can be grown in a pot, because of the height it grows, it is better in the ground, where it will beleafier and grow a thicker stronger flowering stem. It likes the sun, but will be happy with some shade during the day and grows well in most soils. In winter it dies back completely and the old foliage can be removed – it usually begins to sprout again in late February.