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Sweet Woodruff

Galium odoratum

  • Fragrant Foliage Intensifies When Dried, Perfect for Potpourri and Maiwein
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-8
  • Grows 1-2 ft Tall, 1-3 ft Wide
  • Showy White Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
  • Top Pick for Mass Planting in Edible Gardens
Regular price $2963
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Plant Size

Specifications

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Groundcover, Flowering, Fragrant, Deer-resistant, Wet Soils, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone 4a to 8b
Sunlight Partial shade, Shade
Height 1-2 ft
Width 1-3 ft
Watering Needs Moderate
Preferred Soil Clay, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate Moderate
Plant Life Cycle Perennial
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color White
Foliage Color Green
Fragrant Yes
Suitable Space Outdoors
Botanical Name Galium odoratum
Species odoratum
Class Lamiales
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR
J
Jennifer (United States)
LOVE this beautiful little plant

LOVE this beautiful little plant; it's new to me. The scent is amazing and I'm going to buy more next year. Both of them I purchased are growing well.

Sweet Woodruff has a way of winning people over fast, and it sounds like it has done exactly that for you, Jennifer. That fresh, hay-like scent is one of those quiet surprises that keeps gardeners coming back for more. Glad both plants are settling in well, and it tends to spread nicely over time, so your patch should fill out beautifully on its own. Thanks for sharing your experience.

m
mike (United States)
doing great despite the heat and

doing great despite the heat and drought

Sweet Woodruff can really surprise you with how well it holds up once it gets established, so it's great to hear yours is pushing through some tough summer conditions. If you want to encourage it to spread a bit more, a layer of mulch around the base helps it retain moisture during the dry stretches. Thanks for sharing, Mike.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Sweet Woodruff grow in full sun or does it need shade?

  • Sweet Woodruff thrives in dappled and partial shade rather than full sun. This woodland perennial naturally grows under tree canopies and on shaded hedge banks in zones 4-9. Plant it in areas with morning shade for best results.

How tall and wide does Sweet Woodruff get at maturity?

  • Sweet Woodruff grows 6-12 inches tall and spreads to form dense carpets through underground rhizomes. This low-growing perennial makes an excellent groundcover that naturally controls its spread. Plant multiples for faster coverage in shaded areas, available at naturehills.com.

Is Sweet Woodruff hardy in cold winters?

  • Sweet Woodruff is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, completely dying back to the ground in cold winters before emerging in mass each spring. These tender perennials reliably return through their underground rhizomes. Plan for winter dieback and expect vigorous spring growth.

What are the care requirements for Sweet Woodruff, like soil and water?

  • Sweet Woodruff thrives in moist, well-draining soil with dappled to partial shade in zones 4-9. This woodland perennial prefers consistent moisture but avoid waterlogged conditions. Plant in areas with morning shade or under tree canopies for best results.

Can Sweet Woodruff be grown in containers?

  • Sweet Woodruff grows well in containers as long as they're placed in partial to dappled shade. Choose a container at least 12 inches wide to accommodate its spreading habit and rhizomes. Keep soil consistently moist and expect it to reach 6-12 inches tall. Shop quality plants at naturehills.com.

Is Sweet Woodruff toxic to cats and dogs?

  • Sweet Woodruff is generally considered safe for pets, though large quantities of any plant material can cause digestive upset. This fragrant groundcover has been used historically in food and beverages like German Maiwein. Keep an eye on pets around any new plantings and consult your vet if concerned.

How should Sweet Woodruff be spaced when planting?

  • Plant Sweet Woodruff 12-18 inches apart to allow for natural spreading. This perennial forms dense 6-12 inch tall carpets through underground rhizomes, so closer spacing gives quicker coverage while wider spacing lets each plant develop fully before filling in.

Does Sweet Woodruff attract pests or diseases?

  • Sweet Woodruff is generally pest and disease resistant, making it a low-maintenance groundcover choice. Its fragrant foliage actually helps repel insects naturally. Plant in well-draining soil with dappled shade to prevent any moisture-related issues.