
Sweet Woodruff
Galium odoratum
Sweet Woodruff is a delightful, low-growing groundcover known for its delicate white flowers and fresh, fragrant foliage.
Size
Installation
About this plant
Transform shady corners of your garden into a whimsical carpet of green with Sweet Woodruff. This charming perennial spreads gently, creating a lush, uniform groundcover perfect for softening pathways, filling in under trees, or cascading over rock walls. Its small, star-shaped white flowers appear in spring, creating a ethereal display above the whorled, bright green leaves. Sweet Woodruff is not only beautiful but also wonderfully fragrant. When the leaves are bruised or dried, they release a sweet, hay-like aroma, making it a traditional choice for potpourri and sachets. Its easy-care nature and ability to thrive in challenging shady conditions make it a standout choice for any garden. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Sweet Woodruff offers ecological benefits, suppressing weeds and helping to retain soil moisture. It's an excellent solution for low-maintenance areas, providing year-round interest and a touch of enchantment to your landscape.
Care & maintenance
Sweet Woodruff is incredibly easy to care for once established. It prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate some dry periods. No significant pruning is required; simply trim back any unwanted spread or spent flowers if desired. Fertilization is generally not needed, especially in rich, organic soil. In very dry spells, supplemental watering will help maintain its vigor.
Quick facts
- Type
- groundcover
- Mature height
- 6-12 inches
- Mature width
- 1-2 feet (and spreading)
- Sun
- Full Shade to Partial Shade
- Water
- Medium to High
- Growth rate
- Medium to Fast