Overview
Galium uliginosum is a trailing annual biennial in the genus Galium, part of the Rubiaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Galium uliginosum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens.
About
Galium uliginosum, commonly known as fen bedstraw or swamp bedstraw, is a trailing annual or biennial plant in the Galium genus, which includes species with slender, often sprawling stems and whorls of narrow leaves. This deciduous plant produces small terminal clusters of flowers in spring and summer. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with moist but well-drained conditions, and tolerates full sun to partial shade in various aspects and exposures. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suitable for wildlife gardens and can be easily propagated by seed.
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, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, North-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Galium uliginosum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Galium uliginosum
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed which spreads readily
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Galium uliginosum?
Galium uliginosum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Galium uliginosum need?
Galium uliginosum 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 to well-drained.
Is Galium uliginosum hardy in the UK?
Galium uliginosum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Galium uliginosum?
Propagate by seed which spreads readily.
More in the Galium genus
- Galium asprellumrough bedstraw
- Galium incanum
- Galium lucidum
- Galium megalospermum All.
- Galium mollugo subsp. erectumerect bedstraw
- Galium pumilumslender bedstraw
- Galium verumlady's bedstraw
- Galium palustre subsp. elongatum