Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford' (Goat's Rue) — perennial

Overview

Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford' is a perennial in the genus Galega, part of the Q44448 family. Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders and cut flowers.

About

Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford' is a perennial Galega cultivar valued for summer flowering and use as a cut flower. It flowers from June to August and is grown in mixed borders. Plant it where soil stays moist yet drains freely, in full sun or partial shade.

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 'Duchess of Bedford' is a perennial in the genus Galega grown for its summer display and suitability for cutting. Give it a position in full sun or partial shade and a soil that is well-drained but retains moisture; consistently dry, free-draining gravel would not be ideal. Hardiness is H5, classified as hardy, so it tolerates typical winter conditions across much of the UK when planted in a sheltered spot or within a mixed border. Siting in the middle or rear of a herbaceous border works well, where its flowering stems can rise above lower neighbours and be harvested for vases. Keep soil reasonably fertile and avoid waterlogging; a mulch applied after growth starts can help maintain even moisture without creating soggy conditions. Flowering runs from June to August, providing a reliable midsummer source of stems for cutting. Plants described for cut-flower use benefit from secure staking if sited in exposed positions, and removing spent stems can concentrate energy into remaining flowering shoots. Expect to harvest stems through the June–August window for the best quality cut flowers.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Galega

Sunlight: full sun, partial shade
Soil type: well-drained
Soil moisture: moist
UK hardiness: H5

Plant details

Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, cut flowers

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; avoid waterlogging.
Pruning: Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.
Propagation: seed,cuttings

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford'?

Prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade; avoid waterlogging.

Where is the best place to plant Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford'?

Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford' prefers full sun and partial shade.

What soil does Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford' need?

Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford' grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford'?

Cut back after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Is Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford' hardy in the UK?

Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Galega × hartlandii 'Duchess of Bedford'?

Seed,cuttings.

More in the Galega genus

Browse all Galega →