Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) – Fragrant Shade Ground Cover

Create a lush woodland garden with Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum), a beautiful spreading perennial prized for its fragrant foliage, delicate white flowers, and ability to thrive in shady landscapes. This low-maintenance ground cover forms a dense carpet of bright green, star-shaped leaves, making it an excellent choice for under trees, woodland gardens, borders, and shaded pathways.

In spring through early summer, Sweet Woodruff produces clusters of tiny white flowers that attract pollinators while adding a soft, elegant touch to the garden. Once established, it helps suppress weeds, reduce erosion, and naturalize shaded spaces with very little maintenance.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Galium odoratum
• Common Name: Sweet Woodruff
• Plant Type: Perennial
• Mature Height: 6–12 inches
• Spread: 12–24 inches
• Light: Partial Shade to Full Shade
• Water Needs: Moderate; prefers moist, well-drained soil
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–8
• Deer Resistant
• Pollinator Friendly

Perfect For

• Woodland gardens
• Shade gardens
• Ground cover
• Under trees and shrubs
• Cottage gardens
• Borders and pathways
• Erosion control
• Naturalized landscapes

Plant Care

• Plant in rich, well-draining soil.
• Keep soil evenly moist while establishing.
• Grows best in partial to full shade.
• Trim if needed to control spreading.
• Harvest and dry the fragrant foliage for potpourri and sachets.

Shipping

• Ships as a healthy, well-rooted live plant in a 3.5-inch nursery pot.
• Plants are carefully packaged to protect them during shipping.
• Orders over $35 qualify for free USPS Ground shipping.

Our Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged during shipping, please contact us within 48 hours with photos of both the plant and packaging. We'll gladly provide a replacement or refund when appropriate.

Please note that every live plant is unique. Size, fullness, and appearance naturally vary by season, and listing photos represent plants at different stages of growth.