What hardiness zones is Galium odoratum suitable for?

Galium odoratum is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Galium odoratum?

Galium odoratum requires Part Shade.

How much water does Galium odoratum need?

Galium odoratum has Low water needs.

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Vines & Groundcovers

Galium odoratum

sweet woodruff

RubiaceaeEurope, Africa, Asia

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitSpreading

FoliageDeciduous

Height6–12 inches (15–30 cm)

Width12–24 inches (30–60 cm)

Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 9

Zone 4

Zone 5

Zone 6

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Deer Resistant

Drought Tolerant

Fragrant (moderate)

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Galium odoratum, commonly called sweet woodruff or sweet-scented bedstraw, is a low-growing, rhizomatous perennial herb in the family Rubiaceae, native to deciduous woodland across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia. Plants form a spreading, weed-suppressing carpet of bright green, whorled foliage 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) tall, with the characteristic square stems and whorls of six to eight lance-shaped leaves arranged in evenly spaced tiers — the plant's most immediately recognizable feature. In late spring, masses of tiny, four-petaled, star-shaped white flowers appear in loose terminal clusters above the foliage, creating a delicate floral display for three to four weeks. The entire plant contains coumarin, which imparts a distinctive sweet, fresh, hay-like fragrance that intensifies dramatically upon wilting or drying. Dried sweet woodruff has been used for centuries to scent linens, in herbal sachets, and as a traditional flavoring for German May wine (Maibowle). In Pacific Northwest gardens, Galium odoratum is one of the most reliable and attractive groundcovers for dry to average shade under deciduous trees, where it forms a dense, weed-excluding mat that largely cares for itself once established. It can spread vigorously by rhizomes and self-seeding in favorable conditions.

Native Range

Native across Europe from Britain and Scandinavia south to the Mediterranean and Morocco, and east through Turkey and the Caucasus to Siberia. The species grows in the shade of deciduous and mixed woodland, forest margins, and hedgebanks in moist to moderately dry, humus-rich soils. Naturalized in North America, including parts of the Pacific Northwest, where it occasionally escapes cultivation into woodland edges.

Suggested Uses

Sweet woodruff is one of the best groundcovers for dry to moist shade under deciduous trees in Pacific Northwest gardens, forming a dense, weed-suppressing carpet where many plants fail. The bright green whorled foliage provides a clean, fresh texture through spring and summer. The late-spring white flowers are a valuable nectar source for early bees. Effective under shrubs in mixed borders, as an underplanting for roses, and as a lawn substitute in shaded areas. Traditional companion plant for hosta, ferns, and Epimedium in the shade garden.

How to Identify

Sweet woodruff is identified by its low, spreading growth habit and the precise whorls of six to eight lance-shaped, bright green leaves arranged in evenly spaced tiers around square stems. The combination of whorled leaves and square stems is diagnostic for the genus. In late spring, clusters of tiny white, four-petaled, star-shaped flowers are held just above the foliage. When any part of the plant is crushed or dried, it releases a distinctive sweet, hay-like coumarin fragrance.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6" - 1'

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring

Sweet woodruff blooms in late spring, typically April through June in Pacific Northwest gardens, with peak display in May. The masses of tiny white star-shaped flowers are held in loose cymes just above the bright green foliage, creating a delicate white-on-green effect for three to four weeks. After bloom, the plant continues to grow as an attractive foliage groundcover through summer. The foliage may bronze or die back partially in summer drought but recovers with autumn moisture.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White

Foliage Description

Bright green, lance-shaped, in whorls of 6–8

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade

Full Shade

Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamclaypeat

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1–2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant sweet woodruff in partial to full shade in average to moist, humus-rich soil. The species is one of the most adaptable shade groundcovers available and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including dry shade under trees where other groundcovers struggle — though it performs best with consistent moisture. Once established, it spreads by shallow rhizomes and self-seeding to form a dense carpet. In Pacific Northwest gardens it can be vigorous; contain spread by edging annually or planting within defined areas. No fertilization or supplemental watering is needed in most woodland garden conditions.

Pruning

Mow or shear the entire planting back to 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) after flowering in June to refresh the foliage and maintain a tidy appearance; the plant regrows quickly with fresh foliage. Remove spent flower heads if self-seeding is not desired. In autumn, the foliage typically dies back partially; cut back dead growth in early spring if needed. Edge planting areas annually to contain spread.

Pruning Schedule

late springearly spring

Maintenance Level

very low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic