Sweet Woodruff
Attribute | Value |
---|---|
Common Name | Sweet woodruff |
Botanical Name | Galium odoratum |
Mature Size | 6 to 12 inches tall with a spread of 9 to 18 inches |
Sun Exposure | Part shade to full shade |
Soil Type | Medium to wet and well-drained |
Soil pH | 4.8 to 8.3 (tolerates a wide range) |
Bloom Time | April and May |
Flower Color | White |
Care | Sweet woodruff grows prolifically when planted in average, well-drained soil with medium to wet moisture. It quickly spreads by creeping roots and self-seeding and can end up becoming too aggressive in some gardens if the conditions are ideal. Controlling the plant might require periodic mowing with a lawnmower set at a high blade height. The plant can suffer in conditions that are too hot and dry, requiring water to resurrect it. However, withholding water also can be a means of taming its spread. It is generally a suitable ground cover for dry shade, and even full-blown drought rarely kills the plant. Furthermore, sweet woodruff typically has no serious issues with diseases or pests. |
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 invasively, 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. |
Source | https://www.thespruce.com/sweet-woodruff-plants-2132332 |