Valerian is relatively easy to grow in the garden and requires little maintenance. From time to time, however, there are still a few measures to be taken.
Valerian (Valeriana) is widespread in Europe, America, Asia and Africa. The calming effect of the herb is widely appreciated. It is less well known that valerian not only cuts a fine figure in the herb garden, but also in beds or containers.
With its pretty inflorescences, the herb can arouse admiration long before harvest is due. Valerian occurs in numerous species in nature.
Only a few of them are suitable as ornamental plants. These prove to be hardy and easy to cultivate. However, a few care tips should be observed.
Valerian types at a glance
Valerian occurs in about 200 species. About 20 varieties are common in Europe. In cultivation, there are hardly any differences between the individual varieties. There are also few deviations in the effect of the plants. Real valerian, as well as variants occurring in Mexico and India, are of interest for medicinal purposes.
❍ Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
True valerian is the most well-known representative of the plant family. The plants are found in Europe and Asia. There they thrive in sun and semi-shade and, in contrast to most other types of valerian, prefer a rather humid environment. The real valerian can grow up to two meters high, flowers in May and has leaves about 20 centimeters long.
❍ Real Speik
The plants only reach a height of about 15 centimeters. The spike-shaped flowers appear between June and August.
❍ Small Valerian
Lesser valerian grows up to 35 centimeters in height and has white to pink flowers that appear from May.
❍ Spikenard
With a growth height of up to 60 centimetres, the Indian spikenard is a real eye-catcher in the herb garden. The plants like particularly dry locations and flower from June.
How to properly care for your valerian
Casting:
Valerian is watered rather cautiously. Usuallythe plants succeed in absorbing sufficient liquid and nutrients from the soil. This is explained by the natural site conditions of the plant. Valerian grows on dry, calcareous soils and even on rocky subsoil. However, the plants have a fine and not very deep root network. If the drought is prolonged, there is a risk that the plants will die if they are not watered. The common valerian, which is widespread in Europe, prefers a humid environment, but can cope well with shorter dry periods.
To be watered regularly:
- Young plants
- potted plants
- Plants exposed to prolonged drought and heat
Valerian can be watered with tap water. Many plants cannot tolerate the high lime content in tap water. Valerian prefers calcareous soils and therefore has no problems with irrigation from tap water. The surface can dry between the individual waterings.
Fertilize:
Valerian is quite undemanding in terms of nutrient supply. One problem seems to be an oversupply of nutrients. If compost is added to the substrate when planting, the plants do not need any additional fertilization in the first year. Fertilization is then carried out again in the following year.
» Tip: Fresh manure and liquid manure are not suitable as fertiliser. Germs could damage the plant.
Potted plants have a limited supply of nutrients and should be supplied with herb fertilizer every four to eight weeks. Even with older plants that have been in the same location for several years, reduced growth can indicate a lack of nutrients over time and make fertilization necessary.
Pruning:
A cut is not absolutely necessary. A thinning cut in spring is recommended for plants that grow too densely. Valerian tolerates pruning and therefore withered or dried parts of the plant, old flowers or bothersome and broken branches can be removed at any time.
Harvest:
Valerian is not only visually convincing. The cultivation should also serve a practical purpose. The flowers and roots of the plant can be used in teas and infusions. The buds can be harvested any time after their development. The roots should only be used by older plants and can be dug up in the fall. The roots are air dried before use.
Hiberation:
Also inDuring the cold season, valerian is robust and resilient. Plants cultivated outdoors can withstand severe winters and do not need additional protection. Plants lose their leaves and flowers in autumn. The rhizomes remain in the ground and sprout again the following year.
Potted plants are less robust. The planter can easily freeze completely, the plant would not survive this because it can no longer supply itself with nutrients. Valerian in the tub should overwinter frost-free. Sporadic watering protects the planter from drying out completely.