Galium mollugo
hedge bedstraw
A scrambling, grassland perennial to 1m tall, producing whorls of six to eight green leaves and smooth hairless stems, and clusters of sweetly scented, small star-shaped white flowers produced from the leaf axils, from late spring to summer
Other common names
false baby's breathgreat bedstraw
see moresticky grass
whip tongue
white bedstraw
white madder
wild madder
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical 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
- Plant range
- Eurasia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in any, preferably moist, humus-rich soil in sun or part shade; may spread freely with the potential to become a nuisance
Propagation
Propagate by seed in containers in a shaded cold frame, 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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