Galium odoratum
Galium odoratum photo courtesy of Walters Gardens
Sweet Woodruff

Galium odoratum is a vigorous ground cover for a shady, moist site.  The tiny white flowers appear in late spring.  The dense green foliage makes it an attractive groundcover beneath shrubs or naturalized among larger woodland plants.

  • Height: 13 - 15 cm (5 - 6 in)
  • Spread: 30 - 61 cm (12 - 24 in)
  • Cold Hardiness: Zone 4
  • Sun or Shade: partial shade to filtered shade
  • Bloom Time: late spring
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: white
  • Critter Resistance: deer

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Galium odortum enjoys moist soil in a somewhat shaded area.  It can spread quite aggressively by its creeping roots. This can be an advantage where a groundcover is required but can be problematic if planted where it can spread into other plants.

Click image for design ideas with this plant

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