Overview
Galium pumilum is a scrambling stems annual biennial in the genus Galium, part of the Rubiaceae family, with narrow, whorled leaves foliage. Galium pumilum 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 pumilum, commonly known as slender bedstraw, is an annual or biennial plant in the Rubiaceae family. It features slender, scrambling stems with narrow, whorled leaves and produces terminal clusters of small flowers in spring and summer. This cultivar thrives in well-drained loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH, favouring full sun or partial shade in sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects. Hardy to UK zone H5, it is suitable for ground cover, woodland edges, and meadows, preferring fertile soil and roots that can tolerate shade. Propagation is 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 pumilum 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 pumilum
- Propagation
- Seed, Division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Galium pumilum?
Galium pumilum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Galium pumilum need?
Galium pumilum grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Galium pumilum hardy in the UK?
Galium pumilum 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 pumilum?
Seed, Division.
More in the Galium genus
- Galium asprellumrough bedstraw
- Galium incanum
- Galium lucidum
- Galium megalospermum All.
- Galium mollugo subsp. erectumerect bedstraw
- Galium uliginosumfen bedstraw
- Galium verumlady's bedstraw
- Galium palustre subsp. elongatum