Sweet Woodruff
Galium odoratum
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.
Harvest
60-75d
Days to harvest
Sun
Partial shade
Zones
4–8
USDA hardiness
Height
6-12 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Sweet Woodruff in USDA Zone 7
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Sweet Woodruff · Zones 4–8
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: High. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Fruit is covered in hooked bristles that adhere to fur and clothes
Type: Schizocarp. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Harvest time: Summer
Bloom time: Spring
Edibility: Used to flavor teas and fruit drinks
History & Origin
Origin: North Africa, Asia, Europe
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Black Walnut, Deer, Heavy Shade
- +Edible: Used to flavor teas and fruit drinks
Considerations
- -High maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Both thrive in shade and moist soil, complementary textures and foliage
Astilbe
Similar shade and moisture requirements, creates beautiful layered woodland garden
Ferns
Natural woodland companions with matching shade and humidity needs
Heuchera
Shares preference for partial shade and well-draining soil, adds color contrast
Wild Ginger
Native woodland companion with similar growing conditions and spreading habit
Lungwort
Both prefer cool, moist shade and bloom in spring, complementary ground cover
Ajuga
Similar low-growing habit and shade tolerance, creates dense ground cover carpet
Lamium
Matching shade requirements and spreading nature, both form attractive ground cover
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many plants including sweet woodruff
Mediterranean Herbs
Require dry, sunny conditions opposite to sweet woodruff's moist, shady needs
Aggressive Grasses
Can outcompete and smother the delicate spreading habit of sweet woodruff
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance in proper conditions
Common Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Root rot in waterlogged soils, powdery mildew in poor air circulation