Overview
Galium odoratum is a matforming herbaceous perennial in the genus Galium, part of the Rubiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Galium odoratum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is attractive to pollinators. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildflower meadow and wildlife gardens. It is native to Eurasia and N Africa.
About
Galium odoratum is a robust perennial that spreads through rhizomes, creating a dense carpet of upright stems reaching up to 30 cm. It features whorls of narrow, green leaves that emit a hay-like fragrance when dried. In late spring, the plant produces small, star-shaped white flowers in terminal clusters.
About the genus
Galium consists of both annual and perennial species characterized by slender, often sprawling stems that feature whorls of narrow leaves. The plants typically produce terminal clusters of small flowers that are either white or yellow.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Galium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Galium odoratum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Wildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
- Native to
- Eurasia, N Africa
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Galium odoratum
- Cultivation
- Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in sun or dappled shade, strong sun may scorch the leaves; spreads enthusiastically with the potential to become a nuisance
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or division of rhizomes in autumn or early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Galium odoratum?
Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in sun or dappled shade, strong sun may scorch the leaves; spreads enthusiastically with the potential to become a nuisance.
Where is the best place to plant Galium odoratum?
Galium odoratum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Galium odoratum need?
Galium odoratum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Galium odoratum?
No pruning required.
How big does Galium odoratum grow?
Galium odoratum reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Galium odoratum hardy in the UK?
Galium odoratum has a UK hardiness rating of H7.
How do I propagate Galium odoratum?
Propagate by seed or division of rhizomes in autumn or early spring.
Is Galium odoratum good for pollinators?
Yes — Galium odoratum attracts and supports pollinators such as bees and other beneficial insects.