Galega officinalis

Galega officinalis, Goat's Rue, is a large-growing bushy perennial legume with attractive pinnate foliage and racemes of pale-lavender pea-like flowers throughout summer and autumn. It is a very easy plant to grow and requires very little other than an occasional water. Staking some of the stems will prevent them from flopping or snapping in strong winds. It self-seeds readily and de-heading after it has flowered will prevent it from spreading or naturalising.

The humble Goat's Rue is an often underrated and overlooked plant and although sometimes encountered in cottage gardens it is usually ignored by exotic gardeners or garden designers. This is an unfortunate oversight. With its attractive foliage and pollinator-friendly flowers, Galega officinalis is a rewarding plant and combined with other more-obviously exotic plants takes on an elegant and surprisingly tropical look. Don't follow the herd: think different.