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Sweet woodruff,

Rubiaceae family

Sweet

Sweet woodruff,

also called sweetscented bedstraw, is a creeping, mat-forming perennial with dainty flowers that is commonly used as a groundcover in shady areas, only needing a little bit of sunlight each day. Sweet woodruff also performs well in mild temperatures and a variety of soil types, though it prefers acidic soil.

Light

Sweet woodruff grows well in full shade to partial shade, particularly when it is planted under trees. Full sun, especially when it's at its brightest in the middle of summer, can scorch the leaves.

How to care for Sweet Woodruff:

    Sweet woodruff quickly spreads by creeping rhizomes and self-seeding and can end up becoming too aggressive in some gardens, if the conditions are ideal. Here are the main care requirements for sweet woodruff:

  • Avoid planting in full sun, and consider planting under a tree; sweet woodruff prefers shade or partial sunlight.
  • Prepare well-draining soil, ideally on the acidic side.
  • Only water in periods of drought; otherwise, sweet woodruff will be fine on its own.
  • Fertilizer isn't needed once sweet woodruff is established.
plant

Plant Information

Common Name Sweet woodruff, sweetscented bedstraw
Botanical Name Galium odoratum
Family Rubiaceae
Plant Type Perennial, herbaceous
Mature Size 6-12 in. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
Sun Exposure Partial, shade
Soil Type Moist but well-drained
Soil pH Acidic
Bloom Time Spring
Flower Color White
Native Areas Africa, Asia, Europe