Galium odoratum

RHS Plant Profile
sweet woodruff

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sweet woodruff RHS 2002
sweet woodruff visionspictures.com
sweet woodruff visionspictures.com

Other common names

hay plant, kiss-me-quick, mugwet, rockweed, sweet grass, woodruff, briwydden bêr

Synonyms

Asperula odorata

Plants for pollinators
Herbaceous Perennial
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A vigorous rhizomatous perennial forming a wide mat of erect stems to 30cm, bearing whorls of bright green, lance-shaped leaves, hay-scented when dry, with terminal clusters of small white, starry flowers from late spring

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H7

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Rubiaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Matforming
Genus
Galium can be annuals or perennials, with weak, sometimes scrambling stems bearing whorls of narrow leaves and usually terminal panicles of small, white or yellow flowers
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Eurasia, N Africa

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in any moist but well-drained soil in sun or dappled shade, strong sun may scorch the leaves; spreads enthusiastically with the potential to become a nuisance

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division of rhizomes in autumn or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Ground cover
  • Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free