Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a charming, low-growing perennial groundcover prized for its delicate white star-shaped flowers and fragrant foliage. Blooming in late spring, it forms a lush carpet of whorled, lance-shaped leaves topped with clusters of dainty blooms that attract pollinators and brighten shaded areas. The soft, green foliage releases a sweet hay-like scent—especially when dried—making it a favorite in herbal gardens and for use in natural potpourris and sachets. Ideal for shady spots, Sweet Woodruff thrives in moist, well-drained soil and is perfect for underplanting beneath trees, along woodland paths, or in shaded borders. It spreads gradually by rhizomes to create a dense, weed-suppressing mat that helps with erosion control and adds texture and fragrance to shaded garden areas. This deer-resistant and low-maintenance perennial pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and other shade-loving plants, bringing a woodland charm to garden beds and naturalized plantings.