Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a mat-forming perennial that makes good ground cover for shady spots. It bears pretty white flowers in late spring and early summer. In the UK it goes dormant in winter, and its leaves die back. Fresh new leaves grow in spring.
Another name for sweet woodruff is sweet-scented bedstraw, a hint that the strong fragrance of the dried plant was traditionally used to mask bad smells indoors.
Sweet woodruff is edible. When picked young and eaten fresh, the leaves have a mild flavour. However, when dried they develop a strong taste of hay and vanilla. Long valued as a herbal medicine, sweet woodruff has also been used in cheesemaking (to curdle the milk) and to add a mild vanilla flavour to salads, jellies and beer.
Where to grow sweet woodruff
Sweet woodruff grows naturally in damp UK and continental European woodlands, especially in chalky areas. In the garden it grows best in moist but well-drained soil in partial or full shade, though it will tolerate dry shade. This means it works well in a mixed border, or under shrubs and trees, growing to around 20cm tall. The narrow, dark-green leaves grow in whorls along its slender stems, forming dense carpets that act as a living mulch, shading out weeds and slowing the evaporation of water from the soil surface. It may not thrive in highly acidic soils.
Plant sweet woodruff in full or dappled shade, under shrubs or as an edging plant for a shady border.
When to plant sweet woodruff
Plant sweet woodruff from spring to autumn.
How to plant sweet woodruff
Use a trowel to dig a generous hole (taking care not to damage the roots of nearby shrubs), backfill around the plant, firm it in with your fingers and give it a good water. If you have more than one plant, space them about 25cm apart. Keep your woodruff watered until it is established. Otherwise, it needs very little attention.
How to care for sweet woodruff
Water newly planted plants as they become established. In spring, give sweet woodruff patch a light rake to remove remaining plant material from the previous year. Otherwise, it needs very little attention. There’s no need to cut back the foliage in autumn.
Is sweet woodruff invasive?
In the right conditions sweet woodruff can be quite vigorous, spreading via shallow roots running just below the soil surface. However, it’s not invasive – if it spreads into unwanted areas, it’s straightforward to remove it. Use a spade to cut vertically through the roots at the point where you want to limit it, dig up the excess plant material and dispose of it (or pot it up and give it to a friend).
Propagating sweet woodruff
Sweet woodruff can be propagated by dividing established clumps in autumn or spring and transplanting them. It is also easy to grow from seed. Lightly rake over the area where you’d like it to grow, scatter the seed lightly and water using a watering can with a fine rose to avoid washing the seeds away. Sow from February to May or in early autumn.
Pests and diseases
Sweet woodruff is generally pest- and disease-free.
Advice on buying sweet woodruff
- Look for compact plants with multiple stems and deep green leaves
- As sweet woodruff is a fast spreader, you don’t need to invest in large plants
- Always check plants for signs of damage or disease before planting
Where to buy sweet woodruff online
Frequently asked questions
Is sweet woodruff hardy?
Yes, it’s fully hardy and will tolerate the severest cold weather.
What are the benefits of sweet woodruff?
It makes good ground cover for shady spots and its pretty white flowers are a good source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. It’s edible in small amounts, and young leaves have a very mild flavour. Long valued as a herbal medicine or tea, sweet woodruff has also been used to curdle milk and to add a mild vanilla flavour to salads, jellies and beer.
