Sweet Woodruff
Galium odoratum
GAY-lee-um oh-dor-AY-tum
Perennials: Creeping Creeper
Zone
4: -30° to -20°
Min. Temp
Hardy: 28°
Popular ground cover for shady areas. Plants form a spreading clump of small green leaves, whorled like spokes of a bicycle around the stem. Clusters of tiny white flowers make a pretty display in spring. In a moist site this spreads steadily to form a thick carpet.
Appearance
Summer Foliage
Green
Fall Foliage
Green
Flower Color
White
Blooming Time
Late Spring - Early Summer
Habit
Spreading
Height
6–12 in
Spread
18–24 in
Form
Star
Characteristics
Type
Open-Pollinated
Safety
Toxic to Dogs/Cats
Growth Rate
Moderate
Tolerance/Resistance
Cold Hardy
Attracts
Attracts Beneficial Insects
Uses/Placement
Groundcover
Optimal Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure
Part Sun - Full Shade
Soil Texture
Loamy
Soil Drainage
Moderately well-drained
Soil Moisture
Moist
Soil PH
Slightly Acidic: 6.0-6.5
PH Tolerance
Prefers slightly acidic soil
PH Correction
Low pH may cause nutrient toxicity
Soil Amendment(s)
Organic Matter Recommended
Fertilizer
Light Feeder
Fertilizer Formula
Balanced Fertilizer
Fertilizer Timing
Seasonal Feeding
Micronutrients
Calcium (Ca)
Care
Care Level
Low
Behavior and Propagation
Spreading
Moderate Spreader
Propagation Method
Benefits from Pollinators
Propagation Licensing
Open propagation permitted
Division Timing
Spring or Fall Division