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Sweet Woodruff

Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.

Sweet Woodruff

Ground cover

Galium odoratum

  • Partial sun
  • Zones 4–8
  • 60 days to maturity
  • Flowers
  • 8" spacing
  • High water
  • pH 6–7.5
Add to my garden
  • Overview

    A charming woodland perennial that forms dense mats of star-shaped whorled leaves topped with delicate white flowers in late spring. When dried, the leaves release a sweet vanilla-hay fragrance that has been treasured for centuries in potpourri and traditional May wine. This well-behaved spreader is perfect for naturalizing in shade gardens and won't overwhelm neighboring plants like some ground covers.

  • Planting

    Seeds need cold stratification. Sow in fall or stratify in refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. Best established from divisions or transplants.

  • Growing

    Sun: partial. Water: high. Soil pH: 6–7.5. Space plants 8" apart. Germination: 21-42.

  • Pests & diseases

    Common pests: Generally pest-free. Common diseases: Root rot in waterlogged soils, powdery mildew in poor air circulation.