About
Galium mollugo, hedge bedstraw, is a scrambling, grassland perennial to 1 m tall producing whorls of six to eight green leaves and smooth, hairless stems, and clusters of sweetly scented, small, star-shaped white flowers from late spring to summer. A charming native wildflower for a meadow or naturalistic border.
About the genus
Galium, the bedstraws, are annuals or perennials with weak, sometimes scrambling stems bearing whorls of narrow leaves and usually terminal panicles of small, white or yellow, four-petalled flowers. Several species are important wildflowers and traditional herbs.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toEurasia
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any, preferably moist, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade; may spread freely with the potential to become a nuisance
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a shaded cold frame, as soon as ripe. Propagate by separating rhizomes in autumn or early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free