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Herbaceous Perennial

Galium odoratum
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

sweet woodruff

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

Other common names
hay plant
kiss-me-quick
see moremugwet
rockweed
sweet grass
woodruff
Synonyms
Asperula odorata

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Green
Summer White Green
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Rubiaceae
Native to the UK
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

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