• Galium odoratum
  • Galium odoratum
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Galium odoratum

Sweet Woodruff

£6.99
£6.99
Galium odoratum, or sweet woodruff, is a charming, low-growing perennial with starry white flowers and scented foliage, perfect for woodland gardens and shady borders.
  • Fragrant foliage with herbal uses
  • Attracts pollinators
  • Deer and rabbit resistant
Size

    • Aspect

      Partial to full shade

    • Hardiness

    • Flowers

      Late spring to early summer

    • Soil type

      Moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil

    Galium odoratum
    Galium odoratum

    • Why we like this plant

      Ideal for shady gardens, Galium odoratum offers beauty, fragrance, and practical ground cover, enhancing woodland settings with minimal care.

    • About this plant

      Galium odoratum is a spreading, mat-forming perennial that thrives in shady, moist conditions. It features whorls of slender, bright green leaves and clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers in late spring to early summer. The foliage emits a sweet, hay-like scent when dried, making it ideal for potpourris. This plant is excellent for underplanting trees, edging shady paths, or as a natural ground cover in woodland gardens. It is low-maintenance and deer-resistant, while also attracting pollinators.

      Key Features:

    • Key features

      • Delicate, star-shaped white flowers
      • Fragrant foliage, especially when dried
      • Excellent ground cover for shady areas
      • Attracts pollinators
      • Deer-resistant and low-maintenance

    • Height and
      spread

    • Growth
      habit

      Low-growing, spreading

    • Moisture

      Prefers moist conditions; avoid prolonged drought

    • Position in
      the Garden

      Woodland gardens, shady borders, ground cover

    Planting guide

    • Space plants 20–30cm apart for quick ground coverage
    • Grows well under trees or alongside ferns and hostas
    • Prefers humus-rich, slightly acidic to neutral soil

    Care tips

    • Plant in moist, well-drained soil in partial to full shade
    • Water regularly, especially in dry spells
    • Allow to spread naturally for best coverage
    • Trim after flowering to maintain shape
    • Divide clumps every few years to control growth

    Winter care

    • Foliage dies back in winter; new growth appears in spring
    • Apply mulch in colder areas for root protection
    • Minimal winter maintenance required