Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff is a low-growing, flowering perennial for full or part shade areas. It can form a dense groundcover by creeping roots.
The small, bright green leaves are beautiful, making it an attractive plant when not in bloom. In late spring it produces fragrant, white, star-like flowers. This plant is one of the better choices for groundcover in shady, moderate or high water areas in the Pikes Peak region.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff is a low-growing, flowering perennial for full or part shade areas. It can form a dense groundcover by creeping roots.
The small, bright green leaves are beautiful, making it an attractive plant when not in bloom. In late spring it produces fragrant, white, star-like flowers. This plant is one of the better choices for groundcover in shady, moderate or high water areas in the Pikes Peak region.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Galium odoratum
Pronunciation
GAL-ee-um oh-dor-AH-tum
Mature Height
4 to 8 in.
Mature Spread
8 to 12 in.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
white
Bloom time
May
Colorado Native
No
Natural Habitat
Europe, northern Africa, Asia
Light Requirements
part shade to full shade
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-8
Elevation Limit
hardy to 8,000 ft.
Performance
Sweet woodruff grows in a shady spot of the Water Wise Demonstration Garden. Several times the sprinklers malfunctioned in the area where it is planted, which allowed the area to dry out. The sweet woodruff suffered badly, dying back significantly.
When it gets regular moisture, it is a nice, uniform, fragrant, dense groundcover. It is a reliable, attractive plant, just not for low water areas.
Maintenance
Remove old plant stems and leaves in early spring before new growth starts.