Overview
Galium incanum is a scrambling stems annual biennial in the genus Galium, part of the Rubiaceae family, with narrow, whorled leaves foliage. Galium incanum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ground cover, woodland edges and meadows.
About
Galium incanum is a cultivar of the Galium genus, which includes annual and biennial plants with slender, scrambling stems and whorls of narrow leaves. This cultivar thrives in full sun or partial shade, favouring sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects with well-drained loam or sandy soils that are acid to neutral in pH. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for use as ground cover or at woodland edges and meadows. Galium incanum is notable in spring and summer, and it can be propagated by seed or division.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Galium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Galium incanum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Scrambling stems
- Foliage
- Narrow, Whorled leaves
- Suggested uses
- Ground cover, Woodland edges, Meadows
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Galium incanum
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Galium incanum?
Galium incanum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Galium incanum need?
Galium incanum grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Galium incanum hardy in the UK?
Galium incanum 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 Galium incanum?
Seed, Division.
More in the Galium genus
- Galium asprellumrough bedstraw
- Galium lucidum
- Galium megalospermum All.
- Galium mollugo subsp. erectumerect bedstraw
- Galium pumilumslender bedstraw
- Galium uliginosumfen bedstraw
- Galium verumlady's bedstraw
- Galium palustre subsp. elongatum