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Description
Galium Parisiense, commonly known as Paris bedstraw, is a species of flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Europe and western Asia and is widely cultivated in gardens for its striking, star-shaped white flowers that bloom in the summer months. The plant’s leaves and stems are covered in tiny, hooked hairs that make it cling to other plants, earning it the nickname of ‘sticky bedstraw’.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Gentianales |
| Family | Rubiaceae |
| Genus | Galium |
Appearance
The Paris bedstraw plant grows up to 60cm tall with a spread of 30cm. Its leaves are lance-shaped and grow in whorls of 6-8 around the stem. They are dark green in color and have a rough texture due to the tiny, hooked hairs that cover them. The flowers grow in clusters at the top of the stem and have four or five white, star-shaped petals that are about 3mm long. The plant blooms from June to September and produces small, spherical fruits that contain tiny, black seeds.
Care Guide
Galium Parisiense is a relatively easy plant to care for and is suitable for both beginner and experienced gardeners. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the winter months, reduce watering to once every two weeks.
- Fertilization: You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Alternatively, you can add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil in the spring.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a range of soil types, from clay to sandy soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Galium Parisiense is not prone to many pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves. To prevent this, ensure that the plant has good air circulation and is not overcrowded. You can also treat the plant with a fungicide spray if necessary.
Habitat
Galium Parisiense is native to Europe and western Asia, where it grows in grasslands, meadows, and woodland edges. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate a range of soil types, from clay to sandy soils. The plant is also cultivated in gardens for its attractive flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Galium Parisiense grow in containers?
A: Yes, Galium Parisiense can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I fertilize Galium Parisiense?
A: You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Alternatively, you can add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil in the spring.
Q: Can Galium Parisiense tolerate drought?
A: No, Galium Parisiense prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought. Ensure that the plant is watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Q: How do I propagate Galium Parisiense?
A: Galium Parisiense can be propagated by dividing the plant in the spring. Simply dig up the plant and separate it into smaller sections, making sure that each section has some roots attached. Replant the sections in fresh soil and water well.
Related Plants
- Galium aparine
- Galium odoratum
- Galium verum
- Galium mollugo
References
- “Galium Parisiense.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c470.
- “Galium Parisiense.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/26358/Galium-parisiense/Details.
- “Paris Bedstraw.” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant/galium-parisiense-paris-bedstraw.
