or Indian valerian
I’m sure that most of our gardens have been subjected to a few sharp frosts over the last couple of weeks and very welcome they were too – as long as you remembered to get all the half-hardies under cover in time.
Once again, the plant I always steer towards when temperatures fall below zero is the rarely grown Valeriana jatamansi, and it seldom disappoints. The foliage of this attractive perennial is evergreen, and its hairy, heart-shaped leaves look exceptionally beautiful under such conditions – it is thanks to these hairs that the display is so effective.
This gentle, clump forming plant therefore has two seasons of interest: the first in late spring when it is covered in domed clusters of tiny white, flushed pink, flowers (to about 40cm) which are very attractive to pollinators. In flower it may be too restrained for some tastes, and at that time of the year there is keen competition in the border, but I always welcome any plant that earns its keep twice over. It grows well in most soils in either sun or part shade, and I get the odd self sown seedling which is a bonus.
The Indian valerian is found in temperate regions of south east Asia, from Afghanistan through to China, where it is a sought after medicinal plant; it is not to be confused with the similar V montana which is a native of many European countries. Both species are hardy but the latter disappears entirely over winter.
NB Louise has published a beautifully produced book of her plant profiles – A Plant for Each Week of the Year. It costs £9.99 and is for sale in our online shop here.
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