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Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
$4-8avg. price
Groundcover Deer Resistant

Sweet Woodruff

Galium odoratum

Sweet Woodruff is a charming woodland groundcover — whorls of bright green leaves topped with tiny white flowers in spring, with a sweet vanilla-hay fragrance when dried (used to flavor May wine in Germany). It creates a delicate, lacy carpet under trees and in shade gardens. More refined than pachysandra, more forgiving than moss.

Hardiness Zones
4-8
Sunlight
Full Shade
Water Needs
Moderate
Maintenance
Low
Mature Size
6-8 in H × 12-18 in (spreading) W
Growth Rate
Moderate
Bloom Season
Late Spring
Bloom Color
Tiny white star-shaped flowers

Care Guide

Plant in partial to full shade with moist, humus-rich soil. Spreads by underground runners — can be aggressive in ideal conditions. Edge to contain. Mow or trim in late winter to refresh. The dried foliage smells wonderful — use in sachets. Best in cool, moist climates. Can thin out in hot summers.

Landscape Uses

Shade ground coverWoodland gardensUnder treesFragrance gardensErosion control

Best Growing Regions

northeastmidwestmountain

Great Companion Plants

Hosta
HostaHosta spp.
Ferns
Bleeding Heart
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Hellebore
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Coral BellsHeuchera spp.

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