About

This clump-forming native perennial of wet and marshy areas, about 50cm tall with thin stems and mid green leaves in whorls of 4 to 6. Loose pyramidal panicles of white flowers to 3mm across, occasionally greenish with 4 petals and red anthers, open from pinkish buds, in early to late summer.

About the genus

Galium can be annuals or perennials, with weak, sometimes scrambling stems bearing whorls of narrow leaves and usually terminal panicles of small, white or yellow flowers

Growing conditions

SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand, Chalk
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7

Plant details

Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens

Care notes

CultivationGrow in almost any, moist, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed as soon as ripe, propagate by separating rhizomes in autumn or early spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free