Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson' (goat's rue 'Lady Wilson') — perennial

Overview

Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson' is a perennial in the genus Galega, part of the Q44448 family. Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson' grows best in full sun, and tolerates well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, cottage gardens and pollinator gardens.

About

Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson' is a perennial cultivar in the Galega group, notable for its bicoloured blue-and-white, pea-like flowers borne on upright racemes. It flowers from June to August. Plant it in full sun where soil remains moist yet well-drained; it is classed H5, meaning hardy for most UK gardens. It suits borders, cottage plantings and pollinator-focused plots.

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 'Lady Wilson' sits within the Galega genus, a set of herbaceous perennials related to the familiar goat's rue species of Europe and western Asia. This cultivar produces upright racemes of bicoloured blue-and-white, pea-type flowers through the summer, offering a clear seasonal presence between June and August. Place 'Lady Wilson' in a sunny spot where soil holds moisture but drains freely; heavy, waterlogged ground is unsuitable. It tolerates typical UK winters under an H5 rating (hardy), so an exposed alpine-scale shelter is not required, though very wet winters may demand good drainage or a raised bed. Feed and mulch in spring to support flowering and help retain moisture through drier periods. In the garden, use it towards the middle or rear of a mixed herbaceous border, in cottage-style plantings, or where summer nectar is needed for pollinators. The upright flower spikes sit above the foliage and make a useful summer nectar source for bees, filling the main summer months with accessible blooms.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Galega

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

Plant details

Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: perennial
Suggested uses: borders, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson'

Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established.
Pruning: Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh growth.
Propagation: propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson'?

Prefers well-drained soil in full sun; drought tolerant once established.

Where is the best place to plant Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson'?

Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson' prefers full sun.

What soil does Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson' need?

Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson' grows best in well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.

How do I prune Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson'?

Cut back hard in early spring to encourage fresh growth.

Is Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson' hardy in the UK?

Galega × hartlandii 'Lady Wilson' 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 'Lady Wilson'?

Propagated by semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

More in the Galega genus

Browse all Galega →