Buy sweet woodruff Galium odoratum

Galium odoratum

sweet woodruff

From late spring, small clusters of star-like, white flowers appear above the attractive, emerald green foliage. These flowers have a delicious scent and will attract lots of local bees looking for a treat.

Galium odoratum will thrive in sun or dappled shade, however the foliage may become scorched in strong sun, especially if the soils are dry. After it has had a chance to settle in it will develop some tolerance to drought.

Once established it will spread by underground rhizomes to make large clumps that provide very pretty groundcover in woodland or naturalised planting schemes.

How to care for Galium odoratum:

Galium is a shade-loving perennial that thrives in moist, well-drained soil and spreads to form a dense ground cover.

To maintain vigour and manage its spread, lift and divide large clumps in autumn or early spring as regular division also helps to rejuvenate the plant and encourages healthy growth.

Sweet woodruff is a modestly low maintenance plant, but ensure the soil stays consistently moist, especially during dry periods.

Flowering period:

Eventual height:

0.45m

Eventual spread:

1.5m

Position:

Full sun / light shade

Rate of growth:

Fast-growing

Soil:

Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil

Hardiness:

Fully hardy

This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.