Galega: Planting, Growing and Care

Botany

Galega comprises 5 species of tall herbaceous perennials, native to Europe, Western Asia and tropical Africa. In France, Galega officinalis grows wild, mainly in ditches, meadows and riverbanks. Galega has been widely disseminated by humans, who cultivated it as fodder (G. orientalis) or green manure. Galega officinalis is also used for its medicinal properties. It has naturalised in North America, where it is now considered invasive.

The name Galega comes from the Latin Gala, meaning milk, and ega: “to bring, to induce”; because Galega officinalis promotes lactation. Thus, goats that consume this plant produce more milk, which is why it is called Goat’s Rue (however, during flowering and fruiting, the aerial parts of Galega are toxic to animals). The species name officinalis is a common name for plants with medicinal properties. E.g. Salvia officinalis, common sage; Melissa officinalis, lemon balm; Hyssopus officinalis, hyssop; Valeriana officinalis, valerian… Galega also bears a great variety of different common names: it is called Goat’s Rue, French Lilac, Spanish Sainfoin, Lavanèse, False Indigo, Spanish Lilac, Galega officinal…

Galega officinalis: Botanical illustration

Galega belongs to the pea and bean family: the Fabaceae, formerly called Leguminosae, which includes many plants used for human and animal food. Among the ornamental plants in this family are lupins, everlasting peas, sweet peas, wisteria, mimosa and Judas tree (Cercis).

Galega is a tall perennial with a bushy habit, very vigorous and fast-growing. It reaches between 80 cm and 1.50 m in height and forms upright, branched stems with a loose, untidy habit. It is sometimes useful to stake it to give it better support, and to prune it to contain it. With its free and airy habit, it is perfect for cottage and naturalistic gardens!

Galegas flower in spring or summer. Galega orientalis is early, with flowering from May to June, while Galega officinalis takes over and flowers throughout the summer, from June to August-September.

Galegas then form upright clusters, inserted in the leaf axils (axillary), and borne on a long peduncle. They are made up of papilionaceous flowers, 1 to 2 cm long, which resemble pea flowers and are typical of the Fabaceae family. They consist of five petals: the upper petal forms the banner, the two lateral petals form the wings, and the two lower petals constitute the keel, which surrounds and protects the 10 stamens and the pistil. Galega flowers have soft hues: usually blue, mauve, pink or white, they can also be bicoloured. They have a slight fragrance reminiscent of vanilla or coconut.

Don’t hesitate to use Galega flowers in bouquets. They bring a real rustic charm, for example alongside more classic large flowers like those of roses or lilies. Moreover, picking the flowers prevents the plant from self-seeding.

Galega flowers are melliferous, and very popular with bees that come to forage. They attract pollinating insects, so it is interesting to plant Galegas in the orchard to promote good pollination.

In addition to its flowering, Galega has very beautiful foliage. The leaves, 8 to 20 cm long, are beautifully divided, with narrow, elongated leaflets. They are pinnate: the leaflets, arranged on either side of the central axis, form a feather-like shape. They have a lovely soft green or bluish colour. The leaves are inserted alternately on the stems (one leaf after another).

Galega is a deciduous plant, its aerial parts (stems and leaves) dry out in autumn, and grow back in spring.

The flowering of Galega officinalis, Galega hartlandii ‘Alba’ (photo W. Erhardt) and Galega hartlandii ‘Lady Wilson’

Being from the Fabaceae family, Galega naturally enriches the soil with nitrogen, which is why it has sometimes been cultivated as green manure, like vetch, alfalfa or phacelia. The roots of Galega (and other Fabaceae) have nodules housing bacteria of the genus Rhizobium. The bacterium fixes nitrogen from the air and supplies it to the plant. Thus Fabaceae do not need nitrogen fertilisers and their cultivation actually enriches the soil with nitrogen.

When flowering is over, Galega produces pods (like peas and beans), 2 to 3 cm long, which contain the seeds. When conditions suit it, Galega tends to self-seed and naturalise. You will need to prune the plant after flowering to prevent it from producing seeds if you want to avoid it spreading in the garden.

Galega officinalis is renowned for its medicinal properties. Due to its richness in galegine, it is said to have hypoglycaemic properties, lowering blood sugar levels, which earned it use in treating diabetes. It is also said to be diuretic, galactagogue, and was once used to treat the plague. Taken as an infusion, it is said to promote lactation in breastfeeding women.

Warning, during flowering and fruiting, the aerial parts of Galega officinalis are toxic to animals, especially sheep. As Galega grows naturally in France and is sometimes found in meadows, there have been cases of livestock poisoning from hay containing Galega. As a fodder plant, it is mainly Galega orientalis that is cultivated, free of toxic substances.

The foliage of Galega officinalis

The main varieties of Galega

The Most Popular Varieties

Our Favourite Varieties

Galega officinalis

Goat's rue produces beautiful clusters of pink to pale mauve flowers in summer, sometimes white. It's an excellent melliferous plant.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Galega orientalis

This goat's rue flowers in spring, offering blue-mauve flowers with a deeper hue than the common goat's rue. It will integrate perfectly into a cottage garden.

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Galega hartlandii Lady Wilson

This variety produces very beautiful bicoloured flowers, mauve-pink and white. It has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 80 cm

See the product sheet

Galega hartlandii Duchess of Bedford

Goat's rue ‘Duchess of Bedford’ offers a long summer flowering period, in a lovely parma rose shade, pleasantly fragrant.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 1,20 m

See the product sheet

Galega hartlandii Alba

Goat's rue ‘Alba’ produces superb white flowers, gathered in upright clusters. It has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

• Flowering time June, July
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to plant?

Galega is a plant that thrives in open spaces, enjoying full sun while keeping its roots cool; however, in southern France, you can plant it in partial shade to protect it from scorching sunlight. This is not a fussy or demanding plant: it grows effortlessly in ordinary soil, as long as it remains relatively moist, or even damp. It does, however, prefer light, rich, humus-bearing soils.

Being highly vigorous and prone to spreading, it is particularly suited to fallow land, slopes, and large open spaces, such as meadows, or wilder areas of the garden that require little maintenance. It can also adorn the base of bushes and climbing plants. It pairs beautifully with the romantic flowering of roses!

When to plant?

Galega is best planted in spring, around April, or in autumn (September-October). For species and varieties with spring flowering, autumn planting is preferable. In all cases, avoid periods of frost or extreme heat.

How to plant?

You can plant several young plants together, but ensure at least 60 cm of space between them.

1. Start by soaking the root ball in a basin of water to rehydrate it.
2. Dig a planting hole, two to three times the size of the root ball.
3. Mix some well-rotted compost into the soil.
4. Place the Galega in the centre of the planting hole.
5. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the plant.
6. Water thoroughly.
7. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the young plant to help retain moisture in the soil.
8. Continue watering regularly in the weeks following planting.

Galega officinalis (photo Franz Xaver)

Maintenance

When planted in suitable conditions (sun or partial shade, moist soil), Goat’s Rue is a very easy-going plant, vigorous and self-sufficient. Maintenance mainly involves monitoring and controlling its growth if necessary, to prevent it from overwhelming neighbouring plants. Therefore, we recommend cutting back spent flowers or severely pruning the plant just after flowering (cutting back to 20-30 cm from the soil), to prevent self-seeding. Additionally, pruning after flowering may encourage Goat’s Rue to produce new blooms.

If your soil tends to dry out in summer, water occasionally to keep the soil moist. You can also apply a layer of organic mulch (straw, dead leaves, wood chips…) to help retain moisture for longer.

During its growth, Goat’s Rue may benefit from staking and pruning: this helps its flexible stems maintain structure while guiding their growth.

Hardy, vigorous and robust, Goat’s Rue is also rarely affected by diseases and pests. However, its leaves may occasionally be nibbled by vine weevils.

Propagation

The Goat’s Rue can be propagated by sowing or by dividing clumps. It may also self-seed spontaneously in the garden.

Sowing

After flowering, the Goat’s Rue produces pods containing the seeds. You can harvest them when they are ripe, in late summer.

Sowing is carried out in spring.

1. Soak the seeds in water overnight before sowing.
2. Prepare pots with special sowing compost. Level the surface and lightly firm it down.
3. Sow the seeds by placing them on the surface.
4. Cover them with compost (about 1 cm thick).
5. Water gently with a fine spray.
6. Place the pots under a cold frame.

It is also possible to sow the seeds directly in the ground.

Dividing clumps

You can divide the Goat’s Rue every two to three years, in late winter – early spring (March-April), or in autumn, around October.

1. Dig up a Goat’s Rue young plant, making sure to dig wide enough.
2. Lift the rootball, removing excess soil if necessary to better see the roots.
3. Divide the young plant into several sections, ensuring each has roots and buds.
4. Replant immediately, either in pots or directly in the ground.
5. Water generously.

Association

With its wildflower charm, Goat’s Rue seems destined for naturalistic, meadow-style gardens! Pair it with other field flowers like knautias, poppies and cornflowers in a garden border left to grow relatively wild with minimal maintenance. Opt for plants with a relaxed habit, featuring flowers on long stems for an airy, lightweight effect—think gaura, penstemon, hastate vervain, cosmos, yarrow, burnet… You might also include oxeye daisies, Leucanthemum vulgare. Finally, don’t forget ornamental grasses—essential for this garden style! Their flowering spikes and fine, wind-swaying leaves add lightness and natural movement.

Explore our guide “10 Iconic Perennial Plants for Naturalistic Gardens”

Penstemon ‘Souvenir d’Adrien Régnier’, Galega officinalis, Achillea ‘Terracotta’, Verbena hastata, Cosmos atrosanguineus, Poppy and Cornflower

Goat’s Rue also shines in cottage gardens. Perfect for enhancing old stone houses, this style features lush, irregularly shaped beds brimming with diverse flowers and opulent foliage, often mixed with herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees. Soft hues dominate—white, blue, blush pink, mauve, apricot, cream yellow… Pair Galega orientalis with Oriental poppies, bearded iris, alliums, and hardy geraniums. Also consider Phlox divaricata ‘White Perfume’. Complement them with bold foliage plants like hostas, ferns, Cynara cardunculus, and artemisias.

With its delicate blooms, it’s equally ideal for romantic gardens alongside roses, peonies, deutzias, and weigelas. Add fragrant pinks like Dianthus plumarius ‘Scent First’, plus silver foliage from Artemisia ‘Silver Brocade’ or Stachys byzantina.

Browse our inspiration pages: “Cottage Garden” and “Romantic Ambience”

Scene with Iris ‘Jane Phillips’, Digitalis ‘Suttons Apricot’, and Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ (photo MAP – The Old Rectory, Haselbech); Galega orientalis (photo peganum); Phlox divaricata ‘White Perfume’; Allium stipitatum ‘Mount Everest’; and Papaver orientale ‘Patty’s Plum’ (photo Alexandre Dulaunoy)

Goat’s Rue also fits into conventional borders with colourful perennials and bulbs. Plant Galega officinalis among dahlias, lilies, crocosmias, daylilies, yarrow, and coneflowers. Its lightness balances vibrant hues! Play with colour contrasts—pair the blue flowers of Galega orientalis with orange blooms like ‘Totally Tangerine’ avens, Hemerocallis fulva, Trollius asiaticus, or Oriental poppy ‘Harvest Moon’. Blue and orange are complementary colours—opposite on the colour wheel, they create striking contrast and depth!

→ More Goat’s Rue pairing ideas in our guide!