Galega × hartlandii (Goat's Rue)

About

Galega × hartlandii is a herbaceous hybrid in the genus Galega that bears erect racemes of pea-like flowers. It flowers from June to August. The blooms occur in shades of white, pink, blue or mauve and the plant favours sunny, damp meadow or slope conditions.

About the genus

Galega, goat's rue, is a genus of flowering plants in the legume family, Fabaceae, native to central and southern Europe, western Asia and tropical east Africa. They are tall, bushy, herbaceous perennials with erect racemes of pea-like flowers in shades of white, pink, blue or mauve. Their preferred habitats are sunny damp meadows or slopes.

Wikipedia contributors, "Galega", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Galega

In the garden

Galega × hartlandii belongs to the Galega group of legumes and stems from the same general stock grown across parts of Europe, western Asia and east Africa. Plants in this genus are herbaceous perennials that carry erect racemes of pea‑like flowers, and the hybrid G. × hartlandii has been selected for garden performance and distinct flower forms. Position the plant where it receives a good amount of sun and where the soil remains on the moist side; the species naturally occurs in sunny, damp meadows and slopes, so it tolerates soils that hold moisture better than very dry ground. Flowers appear from June to August and sit well above the foliage, making them visible in mixed herbaceous borders or meadow-style plantings. Use Galega × hartlandii towards the rear of a border or within a perennial meadow scheme where taller flower spikes are wanted. Several garden cultivars exist, including forms selected for white or bicoloured blooms; the white-flowered 'Alba' and the blue-and-white 'Lady Wilson' have been recognised with the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, which helps when choosing a named form for reliable flowering display.

More in the Galega genus

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