Overview
Galium verum 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 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Galium verum grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH.
About
Galium verum (lady's bedstraw or yellow bedstraw) is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is widespread across most of Europe, North Africa, and temperate Asia from Israel, Lebanon and Turkey to Japan and Kamchatka. It is naturalized in Tasmania, New Zealand, Canada, and the northern half of the United States. Galium verum is an upright plant, with stiff stems growing to 15–120 centimetres (5.9–47.2 in) tall. It is native to North America, Albania, Algeria, Altay, Austria and other regions. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, well-drained conditions and south-facing, north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Galium verum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Galium
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
Plant details
Galium verum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Matforming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Galium verum?
Galium verum prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Galium verum need?
Galium verum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
How big does Galium verum grow?
Galium verum reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
More in the Galium genus
- Galium asprellumrough bedstraw
- Galium incanum
- Galium lucidum
- Galium megalospermum All.
- Galium mollugo subsp. erectumerect bedstraw
- Galium pumilumslender bedstraw
- Galium uliginosumfen bedstraw
- Galium palustre subsp. elongatum
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