How to Grow and Care for Sweet Woodruff

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.

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
Hardiness Zones	4-8 (USDA)
Native Area	Africa, Asia, Europe

Sweet Woodruff Care

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.
  

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.

Soil

The plant tolerates a wide range of conditions, though it prefers consistent moisture, good drainage, and a slightly acidic pH. It does best in rich, loamy soil, but it also will grow in clay and sandy soil.

Water

While sweet woodruff grows most vigorously in damp to wet soil conditions, it also tolerates dry shade. To prevent it from spreading too aggressively, only water the plant in times of prolonged drought.

Temperature and Humidity

This plant thrives in the various climate conditions found throughout its hardiness range, and it has even been known to push its boundaries to chillier northern climates slightly out of its range. But in very hot temperatures, sweet woodruff might go temporarily dormant, though it readily returns once conditions moderate.

Fertilizer

Sweet woodruff generally requires no feeding. But a new plant might benefit from an all-purpose fertilizer to help it get started, especially if soil conditions are poor. For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.

Pruning

This groundcover loves to spread, and while pruning isn't necessary, you can cut it back to keep it contained in the area where you'd like to showcase it. If it becomes too thick for your liking, you can also thin it out by pruning the plant.

Propagating Sweet Woodruff

This plant is easily propagated via division simply by digging up sections. When selecting an area to dig up, choose sections that have had at least a couple of years to become established. The best time to do this is in the spring or fall. Here's how:

1. With a shovel, dig up a section with the roots attached.
2. Replant the clump in the desired new location.
3. Water and let the plant settle in and establish itself in the new area.
   

How to Grow Sweet Woodruff From Seed

Sweet woodruff also can be propagated from seed, but this is rarely done because root division is so easy.

1. Gather seeds once they fully ripen in July or August.
2. To sow them directly into the ground in early spring, scatter over raked soil and top with damp peat moss. Water the area to maintain moisture until seedlings have sprouted.
3. If growing indoors, spread seeds on growing medium and top with dampened peat moss up to 10 weeks before your area's last frost.
4. Place in the refrigerator for a couple of weeks, then place in a cool, lighted area to await germination.
5. Seeds can be slow to sprout, so be patient. Once that occurs, move the seedlings to a warm spot to continue growing.

Overwintering

This groundcover will tend to go dormant and die back but will reappear again in the spring. In the zones that get colder weather, you can throw a layer of mulch over the area to winterize the plants to help protect them.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Sweet woodruff is a great fly repellant, and has no real issues with pests or diseases. The aroma of the flowers is an added benefit, especially if you've planted it near your outdoor sitting area. You might see a white chalky residue on the leaves known as powdery mildew, which can be managed by cutting off the affected area and using an organic substance such as neem oil.

How to Get Sweet Woodruff to Bloom

This herbaceous perennial should provide a show of little white flowers each spring with little care.

Bloom Months

Sweet woodruff blooms in the spring, usually in May.

What Do Sweet Woodruff Flowers Look and Smell Like?

Sweet woodruff flowers are quite small and star-shaped, with bright white petals that stand out among the foliage. The aroma of the flowers (and foliage) has been compared to freshly mown hay and vanilla.

How to Encourage More Blooms

Though sweet woodruff is drought-resistant and can live in full shade, it will provide more flowers with more consistent moisture and a little bit of light. Consider watering your sweet woodruff more or moving into a brighter area to encourage more blooms.

Caring for Sweet Woodruff After It Blooms

Sweet woodruff does not require any specific care after blooming. If you are planning to harvest the foliage or flowers for their fragrance, this is a good time to do so.

Deadheading Sweet Woodruff

There is no need to deadhead sweet woodruff, as it will not inspire additional blooming.