Species northern bedstraw
clusters of white, cross-shaped flowers with green stems

northern bedstraw

Galium boreale

Northern Bedstraw (Galium boreale) is an amazing plant species native to Northern Europe. It has delicate star-shaped flowers in shades ranging from white to pink and grows in spreading mats of thin stems. Its leaves are an attractive deep green, and the stems are covered in soft white hairs. In summer, Northern Bedstraw provides long-lasting color to gardens and meadows. Additionally, the flowers pungent sweet scent can fill the air during warm months. Northern Bedstraw even has medicinal uses, since its leaves contain high amounts of vitamins and minerals and have been used traditionally to treat various skin ailments. It is truly an amazing plant species.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Soil:

Loamy

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Northern bedstraw should be watered every 3-4 days during the growing season, which typically lasts from May to September. The amount of water should be enough to moisten the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches. Water should be applied slowly and evenly over the entire planting area. Avoid overwatering, however, as this can negate the plant's natural drought-tolerance characteristics. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, water should be applied only occasionally.

sunlight

Northern bedstraw prefers bright, indirect sunlight for most of the day. It will tolerate some morning or evening sun, but it should remain in a shaded area during the hottest part of the day. When planted outdoors in the summer, it should be exposed to 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day. In the winter, Northern bedstraw should be planted in a spot where it receives as much sunlight as possible, but it should also be protected from strong winds and extreme cold temperatures.

pruning

Northern bedstraw (Galium boreale) should be pruned in late winter or early spring when the plant is dormant. Pruning should be done by cutting back dead and woody stems to around 4 inches above the soil level. This should be done to promote new and healthy growth of fresh foliage. If any flower stems are present, pruning should be done to reduce the number of stems and remove any unruly or overly bushy growth. This will help to keep the plant looking neat and prevent overcrowding of stems.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Northern bedstraw typically starts flowering in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Northern bedstraw typically starts flowering in May or June.

Hardiness Map