Valeriana officinalis
TAXONOMY
FamilyCaprifoliaceae
GenusValeriana
Zone4
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Valeriana officinalis, commonly known as valerian, is a perennial flowering plant in the family Caprifoliaceae. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia and is well-known for its use in herbal medicine, particularly as a remedy for insomnia and anxiety. The plant produces clusters of sweetly scented pink or white flowers in the summer and has a strong, earthy aroma. Valerian prefers temperate climates and can grow in a variety of soil types.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Alternate-Leaf Dogwood
Alternateleaf Dogwood
Green Osier
Valerian
Valeriana alternifolia
Valeriana alternifolia f. angustifolia
Valeriana alternifolia f. verticillata
Valeriana alternifolia subsp. pseudocoreana
Valeriana alternifolia subsp. stubendorfiana
Valeriana alternifolia subsp. stubendorfii
Valeriana alternifolia var. angustifolia
Valeriana baltica
Valeriana chinensis
Valeriana coreana subsp. pseudoumbrosa
Valeriana dahurica
Valeriana elodea
Valeriana exaltata
Valeriana jacutica
Valeriana kuminoviana
Valeriana leiocarpa
Valeriana lucida
Valeriana lyratifolia
Valeriana major
Valeriana multiceps
Valeriana nipponica
Valeriana officinalis subsp. baltica
Valeriana officinalis subsp. exaltata
Valeriana officinalis var. alternifolia
Valeriana officinalis var. angustifolia
Valeriana officinalis var. latifolia
Valeriana officinalis var. officinalis
Valeriana officinalis var. sarkanyi
Valeriana pseudofficinalis
Valeriana pseudoumbrosa
Valeriana sinensis
Valeriana stubendorfiana
Valeriana stubendorfii
Valeriana stubendorfii f. angustifolia
Valeriana subbipinnatifolia
Valeriana transbaicalensis
Valeriana vulgaris
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature18° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy3 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Valerian requires moderate temperatures and indirect bright light for optimal growth. It prefers soil that is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. The plant thrives in moderate humidity and should be protected from extreme temperatures. Regular watering and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer will help maintain its health.Soil
Valerian prefers well-draining loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Adding organic matter to the soil can improve its structure and nutrient content.Fertilizer
Valerian benefits from a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 5-10-10. Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season to support its growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.Repotting
Repot valerian every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and use fresh, well-draining soil. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot. Water thoroughly after repotting.Propagation
Valerian can be propagated by seed, division, or cuttings. The best time to propagate is in the spring. For seed propagation, sow seeds in a well-draining seed mix and keep them moist until they germinate. For division, carefully separate the plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots, and replant them. Cuttings can be taken from healthy stems and rooted in water or a moist growing medium.Pruning
Pruning valerian helps maintain its shape and encourages new growth. Prune the plant in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged stems and cut back the plant to promote bushier growth. Deadheading spent flowers can also encourage more blooms.Toxicity
Valerian is generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans. However, it is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to prevent any accidental ingestion. Some people may experience mild side effects such as headaches or dizziness when using valerian as a herbal remedy.Additional
Valerian has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its calming and sedative properties. The roots are typically harvested in the fall and can be dried and used to make teas, tinctures, or capsules. The plant's strong aroma can attract beneficial insects to the garden, making it a valuable addition to any herb garden.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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