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Herbaceous Perennial

Galium palustre
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

common marsh bedstraw

A 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

Other common names
marsh bedstraw

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rubiaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in almost any, moist, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade

Propagation

Propagate by seed as soon as ripe, propagate by separating rhizomes in autumn or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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