Galega hartlandii Alba

Galega hartlandii 'Alba' is an imposing bushy perennial with long-lasting flowering in white clusters, reaching 1.50m (5ft), similar to that of sweet peas. Its amazing sweet scent resembles that of coconut.  

Galega hartlandii 'Alba' is a horticultural version of a species growing naturally in central and southern Europe and more generally around the Mediterranean. It belongs to the family of Fabaceae, formerly known as legumes. Its habit is upright and bushy. Very impressive, the floral spikes easily reach 1.50m (5ft). The stems are sturdy and despite their height, there is no need to stake them: they withstand rain and wind. Prune them when the flowers fade to encourage late-season flowering. The pea-like flowers are pure white and measure 1 to 2 cm (0 to 1in). They cluster at the top of the stem and emit a coconut fragrance that can be enjoyed from May to June and even until September if the plant has benefited from a humid summer. The foliage itself is decorative with its 8 to 20 cm (3 to 8in) long, alternate, pinnate dark green leaves with a bluish tint. Galega hartlandii 'Alba' is very easy to grow as long as you respect its preferences. It is very hardy but prefers to have its "feet in the water, head in the sun". Opt for moist soil and full sun, especially in cooler, more northerly regions. Also note that it thrives on slopes, embankments, and ditches. It is not deterred by alkaline soils. It self-seeds less spontaneously than the original variety.

Combine it with heucheras either in contrasting colours or in shades of the same colour. It asserts its personality when planted in the back of a border, paired with Hybrid Pink Campanula, Veronica longifolia, beautiful Salvia jamensis flamen, or radiant Golden Sage. 

Since ancient times, Galega has been said to attract goats - Goat's Rue is one of its common names - and those that graze on it are more prolific in milk production. It is from this characteristic that it gets its name, as "Gala" means milk. Galega, at least the variety officinalis, is reputed to boost breast milk production, but also be hypoglycemic (reducing blood sugar levels).