Greek Valerian

How to grow Greek Valerian

Written by the GardenDecoded editorial team · Last reviewed 21 July 2026 · Written for UK gardens · How we research our guidance

Planting

Plant in autumn or spring in ordinary garden soil that does not dry out. It is easy and undemanding, and the ladder-like divided foliage is worth having in its own right from early spring onwards.

Pruning

Cut spent flower stems back to the basal foliage as soon as flowering ends; this often brings a second flush and stops it seeding everywhere. Cut the whole plant down in autumn.

Propagation

Divide in spring or autumn, or let it self-seed and move the seedlings while small. Seed germinates readily without special treatment.

Pests and diseases

Powdery mildew can affect the leaves in a dry summer. Slugs take young growth in spring.

Value to wildlife

An early to midsummer nectar and pollen source worked by bees and hoverflies.

Notes

Individual plants are not especially long-lived but it maintains itself by seeding. Deadhead if you want to keep the numbers down.

This guidance was researched and written by GardenDecoded — see our editorial policy for how guides are checked and reviewed.

Other names for this plant

These names have all been used for Polemonium caeruleum but are no longer the accepted name. You may still meet them on old labels, in books, or in nursery catalogues.

Others in Polemonium