Valerianella umbilicata Plant Care

Valerianella umbilicata (Valerianella umbilicata) belongs to the Caprifoliaceae family within the Valerianella genus. Valerianella umbilicata is native to the Eastern North America and some parts of Canada and has no known uses other than being edible.

Valerianella umbilicata displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Valerianella umbilicata produces small, delicate white or pale pink flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Valerianella umbilicata every 3–5 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Valerianella umbilicata thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Valerianella umbilicata tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Valerianella umbilicata prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Good drainage is essential for Valerianella umbilicata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Valerianella umbilicata every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full sun and well-draining, fertile soil with a neutral pH. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Valerianella umbilicata is suited to USDA Zone 5a – 8b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Valerianella umbilicata can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Valerianella umbilicata while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Valerianella umbilicata is hardy down to USDA zone 5a, so once established it can stay outdoors through winter in that zone and warmer ones.

Water deeply in late autumn before the ground freezes, and spread a 5–8 cm (2–3 in) layer of mulch over the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.

Young and container-grown shrubs need extra protection: roots in a pot freeze much more easily than roots in the ground.

Valerianella umbilicata can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to corn salad plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Valerianella umbilicata is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. 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.

Valerianella umbilicata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Valerianella umbilicata is native to the Eastern North America and some parts of Canada and has no known uses other than being edible.