Is Valerian A Weed?

[Aquagility]

I have masses of red valerian in my garden. Should I encourage it? Or grub it out?

[ubasses]

I believe it is a herb

[WyeDyed]

A weed is a plant in the wrong place.

[FredPuli43]

No, keep it. It seeds freely but that doesn't present a problem. The Royal Horticutural Society sells it and don't note it as a problem plant.

[sandyRoe]

I'd rather have that growing than the dandelions that were making my garden a sea of yellow just a few weeks ago.

[woofgang]

sandy, I plant and cultivate dandelions (don't allow them to seed though) because I cant get enough for my tortoises.

[Aquagility]

I think RobKep's answer is dodging the issue. One would not be popular if one had a garden full of ragwort, for instance. And foxgloves, however attractive, do not mix with small children.

[LoftyLottie]

Nothing is better than a rampant garden that accommodates wild flowers along with anything else. As another user has said, a weed is a flower in wrong place. The only problem with valerian is that it smells like dog poo. If you have a large quantity it is quite obnoxious. Just sniff it and you will see what I mean.

I love a sea of dandelions, and then buttercups and daisies, and now clover - far better than a boring bowling green lawn and far better for the insect life.

[sandyRoe]

LoftyLottie, how do you know my garden? ;-)

[237SJ]

It`s a herb but it it was in my garden, I`d treat it as a weed and get rid of it. It just depends what you like, I guess.

[LoftyLottie]

Sandy, we have similar gardens obviously!! ;o)

[Chipchopper]

Simple answer.

If you don't want it - It's a weed.

If you do want it - It's not a weed.

[maggiebee]

I love red valerian, seeds every year and makes a great show in a dull corner. Easily pulled out if it spreads too much.

[pixie373]

You can make valium from it if you like

[Aquagility]

Thank you all for that. The consensus seems to be - do as you damn well pleasee! So I'll compromise - grub it out where it looks out of place, and replant a bit in the wild part at the bottom of the garden.

[LoftyLottie]

Good idea. Bees love it and you will be doing your bit for a species in trouble.