Galega officinalis

Galega officinalis

A graceful, long-flowering perennial producing elegant spires of pea-like, soft lilac to pale blue flowers from early summer into autumn. Its delicate blooms rise above fresh green, divided foliage, creating a light, airy effect that attracts bees and butterflies in abundance.

Also known as Goat’s Rue, this hardy perennial thrives in full sun and moist but well-drained soils. It forms a leafy, upright clump and will happily naturalise in borders or meadow-style plantings, lending a soft cottage-garden charm with generous flowering for months on end.

Specifications:

• Height: 90–120cm

• Spread: 60–90cm

• Flowering: June to September

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Moist but well-drained, light to medium soils

• Maintenance: Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth; divide clumps in spring or autumn if needed

🌿 Note for Isle of Wight planting:

Galega officinalis responds well to the island’s warm summers and free-draining soils, provided it does not dry out completely. Perfect for naturalistic plantings or sunny borders, where its long season of flower provides steady colour and nectar for pollinators.

🌿 Ideal Companion Plants from The Green Standard Range:

• • Echinacea purpurea – Bold flowers that give structure and extend colour into late summer

• • Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ – Upright violet spires that contrast beautifully with pale Galega blooms

• • Gaura lindheimeri ‘Whirling Butterflies’ – Airy, dancing flowers to enhance the lightness of Galega’s habit

• • Achillea millefolium – Flat-topped umbels in warm tones that balance the spires

• • Stipa tenuissima ‘Ponytails’ – Soft, feathery grasses to weave movement through the planting

• • Cephalaria gigantea – Towering yellow pincushions that add vertical drama and a natural meadow feel

• • Verbena bonariensis – Tall, see-through stems that extend height and pollinator appeal

🌟 The Green Standard Tip:

Cut back hard after the first main flush of flowers to encourage a fresh wave of growth and a lighter second flowering later in the season.