Valerian

Botanical name: a officinalis

Life cycle: Perennial

Height: 60 cm – 1.2 m

Position: Full sun / part shade

Soil preference: Well drained

an erect perennial growing to a height of 1.2 metres when in flower. It has pale green, deeply divided leaves with 6-10 pairs of leaflets. The plant grows from a rhizomatous rootstock and forms a clump from which a single flower stem grows in late spring. The white-pink flowers are borne in clusters and are very attractive to bees and butterflies.

Uses

Medicinal – a well-known medicinal herb primarily used as a sedative. a valuable sleep tonic, aiding relaxation and inducing sleep. It is also very good for nervous exhaustion caused by anxiety and restlessness. The strongest action is in the roots which are harvested in autumn when they contain the highest level of active ingredients.

Caution – Do not take over long periods or if you are already taking sleeping tablets.

Other uses - The plant is said to be high in phosphorous and silica and makes a good liquid fertiliser or addition to the compost heap to speed up decomposition. It is also said to encourage earthworms.

Growing conditions

likes to grow in partial shade but can tolerate growing in full sun in cooler climates. It loves fertile, moist, nitrogen-rich soil. Drought conditions often stunt its growth and force the plant into early dormancy.

9cm pot.

Organically grown plant.