Valerian Crowns – Valeriana officinalis
$8.00
Herbal Sleep & Calm Perennial | Fragrant Flowers | Medicinal Root
Includes one plant crown with a growth tip. Plant over Winter to keep it healthy and it will come away with fresh growth in Spring.
Bring Natural Calm and Beauty to Your Garden
Introduce the timeless soothing power of Valerian to your garden with Valerian crowns. These vigorous root divisions will grow into tall, graceful perennials with lush, deeply divided foliage and sweetly fragrant clusters of white to pale pink flowers in summer.
Valerian is a classic cottage garden plant that doubles as one of the most valued medicinal herbs in the world. It’s perfect for herb gardens, borders, wildlife gardens, and relaxing spaces where you can enjoy its vanilla-like scent.
8 in stock
Description
Traditional & Medicinal Uses
Valerian has been used in traditional medicine since ancient Greek and Roman times:
- Sleep Support: Most famous as a natural aid for insomnia and improving sleep quality without the grogginess of synthetic options.
- Anxiety & Nervous Tension: Acts as a relaxing nervine — helps ease mild anxiety, restlessness, stress, and nervous excitement.
- Muscle Relaxation: Antispasmodic properties make it useful for muscle tension, menstrual cramps, and restless legs.
- Digestive & Heart Support: Traditionally used for digestive upset, gas, and mild palpitations related to anxiety.
- Other Traditional Uses: Headaches, epilepsy (historically), and general calming of the nervous system.
Parts Used: Primarily the roots (harvested in autumn), though leaves and flowers have milder uses in teas.
Culinary Note: The roots have a distinctive earthy, valerian odour (some say like dirty socks or parmesan), but the flowers are pleasantly fragrant and edible in small amounts.
Note: Always consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider before using Valerian medicinally, especially if pregnant, on medication, or have liver conditions.
Why Grow Valerian?
- Excellent for pollinators — bees and butterflies love the fragrant blooms
- Deer and rabbit resistant
- Hardy perennial that returns bigger each year
- Beautiful cut flower with sweet scent
- Low-maintenance and tough once established
- Great companion plant in herb and perennial gardens
How to Grow Valerian Crowns
Planting:
- Plant crowns in Winter
- Set crowns just below soil level, spacing 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Soil & Care:
- Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil (average to rich loam is ideal).
- Full sun to partial shade (afternoon shade in hotter areas helps prevent flopping).
- Keep soil consistently moist, especially in the first year — mulch to retain moisture.
- Low fertilizer needs; compost is sufficient.
Growth & Harvest:
- Height: 90–150 cm (3–5 feet) when flowering.
- Spread: 45–60 cm.
- Blooms: Early to late summer (fragrant white/pink clusters).
- Harvest roots in autumn of the second or third year for strongest medicinal content. Wash, chop, and dry for tea or tinctures.
- Cut back flower stems after blooming to encourage bushier growth and prevent excessive self-seeding.
Valerian is easy to grow and very forgiving — an excellent choice for beginner herbalists and gardeners.
Available May – Sept
