plantsDavid Kimgroundcover

Sweet Woodruff

plantsDavid Kimgroundcover
Sweet Woodruff

The Sweet Woodruff is a shade-loving groundcover with whorled leaves and star-shaped white flowers. Known for its sweet scent when dried, it's often used in woodland gardens and as a natural mulch.

Galium Odoratum

Origin: Europe/ North America/ Western Asia

USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8

Pros:

  • Excellent groundcover – spreads quickly to suppress weeds in shady areas

  • Fragrant when dried – often used in potpourri and traditional herbal remedies

Cons:

  • Spreads aggressively – can become invasive in moist, rich soils

  • Short bloom time – flowers only briefly in late spring