Photo: Alex StuartCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Mountain valerian Plant Care
Valeriana saxatilis L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is characterized by its delicate fern-like foliage and clusters of small white or pink flowers. Valeriana saxatilis is native to regions of Europe and Asia, where it grows in rocky alpine habitats. Plant collectors are drawn to this species for its unique appearance and ability to attract beneficial pollinators to the garden.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full sun
50–75°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Mountain valerian?
Water Mountain valerian every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full sun. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Mountain valerian Native To?
What Is the Mountain valerian?
Mountain valerian (Valeriana saxatilis) belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family within the Valeriana genus. Mountain valerian is native to the east-central and eastern Alps, northern Apennines, and southern Dinaric Alps of Albania, Austria, Germany, Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Mountain valerian is also known as rock valerian.
Mountain valerian displays a clumping perennial herb growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Mountain valerian produces small fragrant white or pink flowers in clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Mountain valerian?
Valeriana saxatilis requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Mountain valerian Need?
Mountain valerian thrives in partial shade to full sun.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Mountain valerian Prefer?
Valeriana saxatilis grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Mountain valerian prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Mountain valerian?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Mountain valerian to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Mountain valerian?
Feed Mountain valerian every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Mountain valerian?
Repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Mountain valerian?
Mountain valerian can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to starry valerian plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Mountain valerian Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Mountain valerian, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Mountain valerian?
Mountain valerian is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Mountain valerian Need?
Mountain valerian grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Mountain valerian is native to the east-central and eastern Alps, northern Apennines, and southern Dinaric Alps of Albania, Austria, Germany, Italy, Montenegro, Slovenia, and Switzerland. In cooler regions, grow Mountain valerian as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Mountain valerian is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Valeriana genus — compare its care with other Valeriana species on PlantoScan.
Valeriana is part of the Caprifoliaceae plant family — browse all Caprifoliaceae genera and species.
Mountain valerian thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Valeriana Species
Other Valeriana species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Valeriana saxatilis L., family Caprifoliaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 33 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Mountain valerian, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Alex Stuart, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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