Galium palustre

RHS Plant Profile
common marsh bedstraw

Other common names

marsh bedstraw, briwydden y gors

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial

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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand, Chalk

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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